New York State has recorded its deadliest flu season for children in history, with health officials reporting 25 pediatric deaths from influenza-related illnesses between October and May. This includes 10 deaths in New York City alone, according to city health department data.
The grim milestone comes as part of a troubling national trend. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 216 children have died from flu complications nationwide, marking the highest number in 15 years and surpassing the previous non-pandemic record of 207 deaths set during the 2023-2024 season.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald addressed the situation on Wednesday, attributing the rise in fatalities partly to falling vaccination rates. “Vaccines are the best protection we have, and do save lives, including the lives of very young children who are too young to receive certain vaccines,” McDonald said. He expressed concern about the spread of vaccine misinformation, noting that of the 25 children who died, only one had been vaccinated.
The statistics are particularly alarming for the youngest New Yorkers. Five of the children who died were under six months of age and therefore not eligible for flu shots. “The best protection for these little ones is for all those around them to be up to date with the flu vaccine,” McDonald emphasized.
Despite signs that the season may be winding down, with declining hospitalizations and case counts in recent weeks, New York has experienced widespread influenza activity for 20 consecutive weeks through late April. State health department figures show more than 4,300 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in a single week ending April 26.
The impact has been felt beyond pediatric cases, with state health officials documenting 142 influenza outbreaks in long-term care facilities across the city as of mid-April. New York City saw confirmed influenza cases peak in early February, with nearly 24,000 cases reported.
Health officials continue to advocate for annual vaccination, typically beginning in September when new vaccines become available. The recommendation comes with added urgency given the correlation between low vaccination rates and the unprecedented number of pediatric deaths this season.
