Influenza-Associated Pediatric Deaths Decrease Again

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), new data indicates a continued reduction in influenza-associated pediatric deaths.

During Week #24 of 2024, three influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported during the 2023-2024 season.

One of the recent deaths was associated with an influenza A(H3) virus, the other with an influenza B/Victoria virus, and the third with an influenza B virus.

As of June 21, 2024, the CDC had reported 178 influenza-associated pediatric deaths during the 2023-2024 season.

This amount is lower than last flu season, when 185 children died from influenza infections.

Moreover, it is lower than in 2019-2020, when 199 influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported.

CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get an annual flu vaccine as long as flu activity continues. Flu shots remain available at most pharmacies in the U.S.

However, current CDC data indicates an unusual correlation between pediatric deaths and vaccinations. While flu-related deaths are slowing, so are the number of influenza vaccinations.

During the current flu season, about 158 million influenza vaccines were distributed in the U.S.

The CDC previously reported that 173 million influenza vaccines were distributed during the 2022-2023 flu season and 194 million during the 201-2022 season.