Despite an alarming increase in flu-related child deaths last year, flu vaccination rates among children in the United States are steadily declining. According to new data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 37% of children had received their flu vaccine by the end of November this year, a drop from 43% at the same time last year.

This downward trend comes as pediatricians report an uptick in flu cases this season, raising significant concerns about the vulnerability of children to severe flu complications.

“I always have a little bit of dread when flu season is around the corner,” said Dr. Kristina Bryant, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. “Children experience illness and suffering during flu season, and much of that can be prevented through vaccination.”

Lowest Vaccination Rate in Over a Decade

Last flu season saw just 55% of children vaccinated — the lowest rate in 12 years. While flu vaccination rates among children were gradually increasing before the COVID-19 pandemic, they have since stagnated, according to Alicia Budd, head of the CDC’s domestic influenza surveillance team.

The flu shot for this year is designed to protect against the two most common strains of the virus, H1N1 and H3N2. Although no flu vaccine is 100% effective, experts stress its critical role in reducing the severity of the illness.

“Even if you’re exposed and test positive for the flu, the vaccine gives the best chance of having a much easier course of illness than if you hadn’t been vaccinated at all,” explained Dr. Michelle Taylor, a pediatrician and health officer in Memphis.

Concerns Over Vaccine Effectiveness

A CDC preliminary report released in October indicated that the flu shot might be less effective at preventing hospitalizations for children under five this year, with an effectiveness rate of just 39%. This is a noticeable decline from the previous year, when the vaccine was estimated to be 61% effective in preventing hospitalizations.

Despite this, health officials maintain that the flu vaccine remains the best defense against severe flu-related outcomes, especially for children who are at greater risk of complications.

A Deadly Flu Season for Children

The last flu season was particularly devastating, with 205 confirmed pediatric deaths — the highest recorded since before the pandemic. The CDC estimates the true number of flu-related deaths in children could be as high as 724.

The prolonged flu season, coupled with declining vaccination rates, is believed to have contributed to the high mortality rate. Budd highlighted that over 80% of the reported flu-related pediatric deaths last season occurred in children who were eligible for vaccination but had not been fully vaccinated.

The Call for Increased Vaccination

The CDC continues to recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone aged six months and older. For most children, a single dose is sufficient, but those receiving the flu vaccine for the first time may require two doses spaced four weeks apart.

“Last year’s numbers are a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination,” said Budd. “By getting vaccinated, we can significantly reduce the risk of severe outcomes for children during flu season.”

As flu cases continue to rise this season, pediatricians and health officials urge parents to prioritize flu vaccinations for their children, emphasizing that even partial protection can make a critical difference.