MMWR: High Rates of Child Flu Hospitalizations Recorded Last Season

In a new MMWR report, CDC describes a 2022-2023 flu season that had higher rates of flu-related hospitalizations in children and teens than previous seasons with a lower proportion vaccinated. The 2022–23 influenza season began early, coinciding with circulation of other respiratory viruses. High hospitalization rates among children and adolescents were observed.

Among children and adolescents aged <18 years, 2022–23 was a high severity influenza season compared with thresholds based on previous seasons’ data; influenza-associated medical visits and hospitalizations met or exceeded incidence in previous seasons. Parents can help protect children from flu and its potentially serious complications by getting their children vaccinated, ideally by the end of October.