WASHINGTON, D.C. – A federal report released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that the number of U.S. children who have died this flu season has reached the highest since the 2009-2010 swine flu pandemic
The CDC reported 216 pediatric deaths, surpassing the 207 deaths reported last year. Experts warn that this number is likely an undercount and will likely increase as the flu season continues and final data is compiled.
Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics noted a significant drop in flu vaccination rates among children, from 64% five years ago to 49% this season, as an important contributing factor to the severity of the current season. While flu vaccines may not always prevent illness, research indicates they are highly effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths.
