Unvaccinated children are bearing the heaviest burden of this season's flu deaths, accounting for approximately 85% of pediatric fatalities despite vaccines being widely available. According to the latest CDC surveillance data, the 2025-2026 influenza season has resulted in at least 172 reported flu-related deaths among children, with six new pediatric deaths reported in the week ending May 16, 2026. Among children who were eligible for vaccination and whose vaccination status was known, roughly 85% of those who died had not been fully vaccinated against influenza.

The overall flu season has been moderate in severity across all age groups, but the pediatric population stands out as experiencing high severity. The CDC estimates that this season has caused at least 32 million illnesses, 390,000 hospitalizations, and 24,000 deaths from flu across all ages in the United States. While seasonal influenza activity is currently low as we move into late May, the damage has already been substantial.

How Are Influenza Viruses Changing This Season?

The composition of circulating flu viruses has shifted as the season has progressed. Influenza A(H3N2) viruses were the most frequently reported influenza viruses overall this season; however, influenza B viruses have become more common in recent weeks. This shift in dominant virus types is a normal pattern during flu seasons, but it underscores the importance of vaccination, which protects against multiple strains.

Testing data from clinical laboratories nationwide shows that influenza B viruses now represent 83.2% of positive specimens in the most recent week, while influenza A accounts for 16.8%. The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza virus has been decreasing nationally, indicating that the peak of this season has passed.

What Protection Do Flu Vaccines Actually Provide?

Influenza vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness and its potentially serious complications, including hospitalization and death. Approximately 135 million doses of influenza vaccine have been distributed across the United States this season. The stark difference in mortality rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated children demonstrates the real-world effectiveness of this preventive measure.

Beyond vaccination, prescription flu antiviral drugs can treat flu illness if started early. These medications are especially important for patients at higher risk for flu-related complications, including young children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions. The key is recognizing flu symptoms early and seeking medical care promptly.

Steps to Protect Children From Influenza

• Vaccination Status: Ensure children are fully vaccinated against influenza. The data shows that vaccination status is the single strongest predictor of survival among infected children, with vaccinated children having dramatically lower mortality rates.
• Early Antiviral Treatment: If a child develops flu symptoms such as fever, cough, body aches, or fatigue, contact a healthcare provider immediately. Prescription antiviral drugs are most effective when started within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.
• Hygiene Practices: Teach children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, and avoid touching their face. These practices reduce transmission to vulnerable family members.
• Risk Assessment: Identify whether your child has any underlying conditions that increase flu risk, such as asthma, diabetes, or immunocompromised status. Children with these conditions should be prioritized for vaccination and monitored closely during flu season.

The CDC provides updated, integrated information about COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity on a weekly basis, allowing healthcare providers and parents to stay informed about circulating respiratory viruses in their communities. As of the most recent report, no new avian influenza A(H5) virus infections were reported to the CDC, and person-to-person transmission of bird flu has not been identified in the United States.

The message from this season's data is clear: vaccination remains the most effective tool for preventing severe flu illness and death in children. With 85% of pediatric deaths occurring in unvaccinated children, the choice to vaccinate represents one of the most important health decisions parents can make during flu season.