Unvaccinated children make up most of 52 pediatric flu deaths

The CDC reports 52 pediatric flu deaths this season and says 90% of those children were unvaccinated; overall flu activity and child hospitalizations have risen.

Federal health officials reported that 52 children have died from influenza this season. The CDC said 90% of those children had not received the annual flu vaccine. Overall flu activity increased last week after several weeks of decline, and the agency estimates there have been millions of cases this season. The rate of children hospitalized with flu is the highest in 15 years. Key details: - The CDC reported 52 pediatric flu deaths so far this season. - The agency said about 90% of those children had not received the annual flu shot. - The CDC estimates at least 20 million flu cases, 270,000 hospitalizations and 11,000 deaths this season. - By the end of December, the weekly hospitalization rate for children under 18 reached its highest level since the 2010–2011 season. - As of Jan. 17, 45.1% of children ages 6 months to 17 years had received a flu vaccine this season, compared with 63.7% in 2019–2020. Summary: The rise in pediatric deaths and increased child hospitalizations coincide with lower vaccination coverage this season. Undetermined at this time.