Health officials have reported 266 influenza-related pediatric deaths to the CDC for the 2024-25 season — the highest number of pediatric deaths in any non-H1N1 flu pandemic season since 2004.
Ninety percent of these pediatric deaths were among children who were not fully vaccinated against influenza, according to a CDC report published July 25.
During the week ending July 19, five flu-related pediatric deaths were reported to the CDC.
The 2023-24 influenza season recorded 208 pediatric deaths, followed by 187 in 2022-23, and 49 in 2021-22. Amid the H1N1 influenza pandemic, the 2009-10 season saw 288 flu-associated pediatric deaths.
When the CDC began tracking this data in the 2004-05 flu season, U.S. officials reported 47 pediatric deaths.
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