Flu Shots Plummet While Pediatric Flu Deaths Soar
Despite a record number of childhood flu deaths last year, the percentage of children getting flu shots continues to decline, raising alarm among pediatricians. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a concerning trend: as of November 30, only 37% of US children had received their flu vaccine, a significant drop from 43% during the same period last year. This marks the lowest flu vaccination rate in 12 years.
Why the Decline in Flu Shots?
Alicia Budd, head of the CDC’s domestic influenza surveillance team, attributes the decline to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Flu vaccination levels have not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels,” she explains. While flu shot coverage had been steadily increasing before the pandemic, COVID-19 disrupted vaccination practices and public health messaging.
Experts Sound the Warning
Pediatricians like Dr. Kristina Bryant, a pediatric infectious disease doctor at Norton Children’s in Louisville, Kentucky, are increasingly worried about the downward trend. “I always have a little bit of dread when flu season is around the corner,” Dr. Bryant confesses, “because children experience illness and suffering during flu season, and much of that can be prevented through vaccination.”
A Dangerously Effective Flu Season
Adding to the concern, preliminary data suggests that this year’s flu shot might be less effective than in previous years. A recent CDC report indicated that the shot’s effectiveness in preventing hospitalization for children ages 5 and younger might be around 39%, compared to 61% effectiveness last year.
“Even if you’re exposed and you are positive for flu, that shot gives the best chance of having a much easier course of illness than if you had not been vaccinated at all,” emphasizes Dr. Michelle Taylor, a pediatrician who is the health officer of the Shelby County Health Department in Memphis, Tennessee.
A Family’s Heartbreaking Reminder
Kaitlyn Covert, a freshman at the University of Florida, learned the hard way about the flu’s potential dangers. The 18-year-old fell ill with the flu in October, experiencing throbbing headaches, painful breathing, and difficulty even reaching for medication. “It was the worst I’ve ever felt in my entire life,” she recalls.
Courtesy Kaitlyn Covert
Kaitlyn’s experience was a stark reminder of the flu’s seriousness. A family history of flu complications added urgency to the situation. “I was in panic mode,” said her mother, Amy. “Does lightning strike twice?”
Pediatric Flu Deaths Reach Record Highs
According to the CDC, last year saw the highest number ever recorded in pediatric flu deaths – 205 children succumbed to the virus. However, experts estimate the true number could be even higher, as not all children who die are tested for influenza. As a result, the CDC estimates that 724 pediatric flu deaths might have occurred last year.
Prolonged flu seasons and fewer vaccinations are believed to be contributing factors to the alarming rise in deaths. “Some seasons, we see a really sharp peak and then it goes away quickly. Other seasons are more long and drawn-out,” explains Budd.
### Protect Yourself: Get Your Flu Shot
The CDC strongly recommends an annual flu shot for everyone 6 months of age and older. While most individuals need only a single shot, some children who have not been vaccinated before may require two doses, spaced four weeks apart.
“We know that more than 80% of the reported influenza-associated pediatric deaths last season occurred in children who were eligible for a flu vaccine but weren’t fully vaccinated,” reminds Budd.
The Coverts urge everyone to consider the flu shot a crucial step in protecting their health. “This is not a gray area,” says Amy Covert. “The purpose of the shot is to keep you alive.”
Get your flu shot today. It’s the best defense against the flu. Learn more about flu vaccines and where to get them here.
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