Updated reporting from the CDC pushed number of deaths to 289, exceeding 2009-2010 flu season.
On the same day that the Department of Health and Human Services announced that multiple vaccines, including the influenza vaccine would now have a downgraded recommendation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s own data shows that the 2024-2025 flu season has resulted in 289 pediatric deaths from this flu. This new data sets a new record which exceeds the previous record set during the 2009-2010 flu season of 288 deaths. According to the CDC’s Flu View Report, one death occurred during week 51 (week ending December 20, 2025) and two influenza-associated deaths were reported during Week 52(Week ending December 27, 2025). An additional death that occurred in March 2025 has been reported to be associated with Influenza A, bringing the total to 289.
Already during the 2025-2026 flu season, nine pediatric deaths have been reported.
“I can’t begin to express how concerned we are about the future health of the children in this country, who already have been unnecessarily dying from the flu—a vaccine preventable disease,” said Michele Slafkosky, Executive Director Families Fighting Flu. “Now, with added confusion for parents and healthcare provider about childhood vaccines, I fear that flu seasons to come could be even more deadly for our youngest and most vulnerable. Families Fighting Flu will continue to promote that everyone over the age of 6 months be vaccinated against the flu.”
Family members and survivors from across the U.S. are available for interviews about the impact that flu has had on their families and why vaccination is critical.