166th Influenza-Associated Pediatric Fatalities Reported

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today reported the 166th influenza-associated pediatric death for the 2022-2023 flu season.

As of August 4, 2023, the CDC reported two additional influenza-associated pediatric deaths during week #30. Both deaths were associated with influenza A(H1N1) viruses.

Last flu season, there were only 47 flu-related pediatric deaths confirmed.

The CDC says the current flu shots offer protection against this type of influenza. For most persons, including children, who only one dose of an approved influenza vaccine is needed for the season.

Furthermore, vaccination should ideally be offered during September or October in the U.S.

And flu season in the Southern Hemisphere usually occurs between April and September.

Moreover, vaccination should continue throughout each flu season as long as influenza viruses are circulating.

Recent news indicates there will be plenty of flu shots available this season.

As of early August, about 100 million vaccines have already been distributed for the 2023-2024 flu season. Last season, the CDC reported that about 173.37 million flu shots were distributed in the U.S.

Various flu shots are available at health clinics and community pharmacies in the U.S.