• New York State experienced a record 25 pediatric deaths due to the flu during the 2024-2025 season, contributing significantly to the 216 pediatric deaths nationwide.
• Declining vaccination rates among children, dropping from 64% to 49% in recent years, are identified as a major factor contributing to the severity of the flu season.
• Health officials recommend annual flu vaccinations for everyone 6 months and older and early use of antiviral medications for those at higher risk of severe illness.

The 2024-2025 flu season has been particularly severe, especially for children. New York State reported a record number of pediatric deaths, with 25 children succumbing to the virus. Nationally, the CDC estimates over 47 million illnesses, 610,000 hospitalizations, and 26,000 deaths from flu-related complications. Contributing factors include declining vaccination rates and vaccine hesitancy, with experts emphasizing the importance of vaccination and antiviral treatment, especially for high-risk groups. While flu activity is generally declining, the impact of this season has been significant.

• What: Record number of pediatric deaths due to the flu in New York State and a high overall flu season across the US.
• Who: Children, especially those unvaccinated or too young to be vaccinated; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); New York State Health Department; Dr. James McDonald, New York State Health Commissioner; Dr. Sean O’Leary, American Academy of Pediatrics
• When: The 2024-2025 flu season, with data reported as of May 7, 2025.
• Where: Primarily New York State, but also nationwide statistics for the United States.

The high number of pediatric flu deaths in New York, coupled with national statistics, indicates a particularly severe flu season. The decline in vaccination rates among children is a significant concern, potentially fueled by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. Health officials are urging increased vaccination efforts and early treatment with antiviral medications, especially for vulnerable populations. The situation highlights the importance of public health education and addressing concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness.

"Sadly, there were 216 pediatric deaths reported nationally by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - the highest loss of young lives to the flu in 15 years. In New York State, 25 influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported this season, which is the highest recorded amount ever in New York."

"This number that we have now is almost certainly an undercount and one that — when the season is declared over and they compile all the data — is almost certain to go up."

"Misinformation around vaccines has in recent years contributed to a rise in vaccine hesitancy and declining vaccination rates."

The 2024-2025 flu season's severe impact, particularly on children in New York, necessitates a comprehensive public health response beyond the current waning activity. Exacerbated by declining vaccination rates and fueled by vaccine hesitancy rooted in concerns about side effects, lack of trust, and perceived ineffectiveness, this season underscores the urgent need for multifaceted strategies to improve vaccination uptake. These strategies include targeted education to dispel misinformation, address cultural beliefs, and emphasize the benefits of vaccination for both individual and community health. Furthermore, healthcare providers should actively promote vaccination through organized campaigns, convenient access (including mobile carts and extended hours), and standing orders, while also measuring and communicating vaccination coverage levels to foster a culture of patient safety. Given the observed decline in vaccination rates among vulnerable groups like children under five, pregnant women, and First Nations people, tailored interventions are crucial. Emphasis should be placed on clear leadership, effective communication, and addressing barriers to access, alongside continuous monitoring of flu activity and vaccine effectiveness to inform public health recommendations. Learning from both successful and less effective interventions, public health bodies should prioritize evidence-based strategies and adapt them to address the specific needs and concerns of different communities.