Pediatric Influenza Deaths Confirmed

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported today; two influenza-associated pediatric deaths occurred during the 2021 flu season.

One death was associated with an influenza A (H3) virus and occurred during week #49 (ending December 11, 2021).

The other death was associated with an influenza A virus for which no subtyping was performed and occurred during week #50 (ending December 18, 2021).

As of December 27, the CDC did not disclose these children's vaccination status or comorbidities.

The majority of influenza viruses detected this season were A(H3N2). And most influenza A(H3N2) infections have occurred among people 5-24 years of age.

This news compares with (1) pediatric death last flu season and (199) during the 2019-2020 reporting period. 

While the CDC encourages annual flu shots for most people over the age of six months, the vaccination rates have been sub-optimal recently.

The preliminary estimates indicate that influenza vaccination coverage in children dropped about 4% points to 58.2% during the 2020–2021 flu season.

Furthermore, the annual flu shot effectiveness has trended below 50% for the last three years; (39%), (29%), and (38%).

During the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, a record number of influenza vaccine doses (193 million) were distributed in the U.S.

However, only 170 million flu shots have already been distributed this season.

The CDC stated 'The flu season is just getting started. There's still time to get vaccinated. An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against flu and its potentially serious complications.'

'Various flu vaccines are available at many locations, including local pharmacies.' 

Visit www.vaccines.gov to find a flu vaccine provider located near you.