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This from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
10 additional pediatric influenza-related deaths were reported in the U.S. for the week ending Feb. 1, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bringing the total to 57 pediatric deaths for the 2024-’25 season.
Seasonal flu activity remains elevated and continues to increase across the country.
As of Jan. 25, 44% of U.S. children have been vaccinated for the flu, down from 49% at the same time last year.
Flu vaccine effectiveness in children varies by season but generally shows:
Infection prevention:
Typically 40-60% effective against lab-confirmed flu
Can reach 70-80% in well-matched years
Rarely drops below 30%
Severe disease reduction:
74% reduction in hospitalizations
65% reduction in ICU admissions
Milder symptoms in breakthrough cases
Death prevention:
65-80% reduction in healthy children
50-60% reduction in children with health conditions
Effectiveness varies based on vaccine-strain match, child's health, vaccination timing, and vaccine type.
I’m happy to report that the Vaccine Information Sheet for Flu vaccines is back up and running after President Trump turned off the lights:
