Pediatric Flu Deaths Top 100 & ACIP Immunization Schedule for 2023
The flu can be difficult on anyone—young or old. The current season has shown that it can pose a grave threat to children. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that as of February, pediatric flu deaths during the current season have reached 106. This figure represents the highest flu-related death rate among children since the start of the COVID pandemic.
This unfortunate milestone underscores the seriousness of the flu for people of all ages. It can also reinforce the importance of immunization, which can prevent infection and severe illness resulting from the flu.
What Caused the Rise in Pediatric Flu Deaths?
In contrast to this season’s 106 pediatric deaths, the 2019-2020 season saw 199, while the 2020-2021 period had only one documented child fatality. Masking, quarantining, and other social distance measures were likely the reasons for the relatively low fatalities in the most recent flu seasons, which occurred at the height of the pandemic.
According to the CDC, most of the children who died during this flu season were not vaccinated. The CDC also reports that flu immunization among children is about 6% below pre-pandemic rates.
Among the 106 children who died, 41 were younger than five, and three were less than six months old. The other 65 children were between 5-17 years old. Children under five suffer the most significant risk of hospitalization and serious complications from flu infection.
Of the 81 children whose vaccination status was known, 90% did not receive flu shots, compared to 80% of children in previous flu seasons. Public health experts estimate that 40 of all the children who died had underlying health conditions, but the actual number has yet to be determined.
Despite the increase in flu-related deaths, flu vaccinations during the 2022-2023 season reduced the risk of hospitalizations among children by almost three-quarters. Risks for severe illness and adult emergency room visits decreased by about one-half.
Importance of the Flu Vaccine for Children
Children under five are particularly vulnerable to flu infection and complications like sinus and ear infections, dehydration, pneumonia, and long-term conditions like heart disease and asthma. Children over five can still transmit the virus to younger family members and others at higher risk, such as people over 65 and immune-compromised individuals.
For young children and other vulnerable individuals, flu shots provide an essential line of defense. Many cases of the flu can cause serious illness and death. Therefore, early immunization is the best defense, according to Dr. Mark Tendorde, a medical officer in the Influenza Division of the CDC.
Although it might seem like the flu season is winding down, staying updated on vaccinations for the flu, COVID, and other contagious diseases is always a good idea. Like all viruses, the flu constantly mutates, which makes seasonal vaccination essential for adults and children over six months old.
Flu vaccines help the body develop antibodies that protect against the flu. This boost to the immune system begins to take effect about two weeks after immunization. Even if your child gets immunized and still contracts the flu, they will be far less likely to suffer a serious illness or end up in the hospital.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), in collaboration with several medical associations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), provides complete immunization schedules for children and adults ages 18 and over, with recommendations based on age, medical conditions, and other special situations.
Parents of children under 18 might make a note of recent changes to the ACIP’s recommendations. For instance, the “special situations” for egg-free flu vaccines include language relevant to people with egg allergies who experience symptoms other than hives. Other schedule changes include more clarified language for recommendations regarding vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A and B, and other diseases.
In addition to the standard shot, the CDC provides information on other types of flu vaccines, including nasal spray, high-dose vaccines, and egg-free vaccines for individuals with egg allergies. Some nasal-spray vaccines might not be appropriate for some people with underlying medical conditions.
For help finding a vaccination site, go to vaccines.gov to find information on local providers. You can also call 1-800-232-0233 or text your zip code to 438829.
Research and materials for this article were compiled, written, and distributed on behalf of the National Public Health Information Coalition. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the various authors. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the National Public Health Information Coalition or its members.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/spotlights/2022-2023/pediatric-flu-deaths.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/fluvaxview/dashboard/vaccination-dashboard.html
https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/23/health/flu-vaccine-efficacy-2022-2023-season/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/different-flu-vaccines.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/recommendations.html
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7206a1.htm
https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/