According to the last weekly report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the current influenza season in the United States has resulted in the highest number of pediatric deaths since the H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009–2010. As of the week ending April 26, 2025, at least 216 influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported—well above the 207 deaths recorded during the last flu season and especially concerning given that the season isn’t quite over yet. Declining vaccination coverage among children is often cited as a reason why some preventable illnesses like flu are surging. The flu vaccination rate among U.S. children has declined from around 64% 5 years ago to 49% this season, according to reporting from the Associated Press. However, parents’ reluctance to have their kids vaccinated might not be the only factor. Access issues, such as staffing shortages in pediatric practices as well as the fact that many retail pharmacies do not offer vaccines for kids, can also be contributors to lower vaccination rates.
How much longer? At the same time, CDC estimates that this flu season has resulted in 47 million illnesses, 610,000 hospitalizations, and 26,000 deaths across all age groups in the United States. CDC has classified the 2024-2025 season as a high severity season overall. Typically, the flu season wraps up by the end of May.