71 Pediatric Flu Fatalities This Season; 90% Unvaccinated

Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated across much of the United States, though trends vary regionally, with some areas seeing declines in influenza A and rises in influenza B cases.

Unfortunately, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported six new influenza-associated pediatric deaths in its FluView surveillance update for Week 6 of 2026.

This data highlights the ongoing serious risks posed by the virus to children.

Of the reported deaths on February 14, 2026, five occurred during the current 2025-2026 flu season, bringing the total number of pediatric fatalities this season to 71. These deaths happened during Weeks 2, 4, and 5 (ending January 17, January 31, and February 7, 2026).

Four deaths were linked to influenza A viruses, three of which were subtyped as A(H3N2).

Additionally, one death from the previous 2024-2025 season was reported this week, associated with influenza A(H1N1), bringing that season's final pediatric death total to 290.

Following an update to the U.S. childhood immunization schedule issued by the CDC on January 5, 2026, the annual influenza vaccine for children is now recommended based on shared clinical decision-making between parents or guardians and healthcare providers, rather than as a routine recommendation for all children aged 6 months and older.

Among the children eligible for vaccination and with known vaccination status, approximately 90% of the reported pediatric deaths this season occurred in those who were not fully vaccinated against influenza.

Health officials stress that this approach allows families to consider individual risk factors—such as age, underlying medical conditions, and community flu activity—when deciding whether to vaccinate. The CDC continues to emphasize that flu vaccination remains a crucial prevention tool during ongoing virus circulation.

Vaccination coverage data from the previous 2024-2025 season highlights ongoing challenges: only 50.2% of U.S. children aged 6 months through 17 years received at least one dose of the flu vaccine—the lowest coverage in the past 15 seasons.

As of early February 2026, interim coverage for the current 2025-2026 season stands at approximately 47.5%, similar to the same point last season.

The CDC urges parents to speak with their child's healthcare provider promptly about flu vaccination and to seek early antiviral treatment if flu symptoms develop in high-risk children.

As of February 21, 2026, flu shots remain available at clinics and pharmacies throughout the USA. However, the nasal flu shot is sold out for this season.