The United States is grappling with its most severe influenza outbreak in at least two decades, yet new data reveals a concerning decline in the number of children receiving their annual flu jab. This season's virulent strain, dubbed a 'super flu', has already infected an estimated 18 million Americans.
A 'Banner Year' for Flu, But Not for Vaccination
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the current flu season is exceptionally severe. At least 18 million people have been infected, leading to approximately 230,000 hospitalisations and 9,300 deaths. Dr. Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, described it as a "banner year", stating it is the worst outbreak in 20 years with intense activity across most of the country.
Despite the CDC's clear advice that the flu shot prevents infection and reduces illness severity, vaccination uptake among children has dropped. As of January 3, 2026, only 42.5% of children aged 6 months to 17 years had received their vaccine. This marks a 1.5 percentage point fall from the 44% recorded at the same time last year.
Policy Shift Coincides with Falling Rates
This decline in paediatric flu immunisation reflects a broader trend of falling childhood vaccination coverage in recent years. The drop coincides with a significant policy change under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine sceptic. The CDC has reduced the number of universally recommended childhood vaccines. The flu vaccine is now only advised for 'high risk' children or after consultation with a healthcare provider, a shift that may be influencing parental decisions.
The trend is not isolated to flu shots. CDC data from the 2024-2025 school year shows vaccination coverage for kindergarten pupils decreased for all routinely reported vaccines compared to the previous year.
Severe Symptoms Heighten Public Concern
Medical professionals report that the current flu strain is not only highly contagious but also produces particularly severe symptoms. Dr. Partha Nandi, writing for WXYZ Detroit, noted that doctors are observing fevers lasting 3 to 5 days and severe coughs that impede breathing. These intense symptoms increase the risk of hospitalisation, with young children and the elderly being most vulnerable.
The CDC has issued specific guidance for parents, urging them to seek immediate hospital care if a child exhibits:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe muscle pain
- Signs of dehydration
- A fever above 104°F (40°C) not controlled by medicine
