The 2024-25 flu season was the deadliest flu season for U.S. children in more than a decade, according to September 2025 reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One report included data on the 280 U.S. children who died, and while the authors say that it’s unclear why there were more pediatric deaths than in previous seasons, the best way to protect children from flu is to get them vaccinated.
Based on their findings, of the 208 children with vaccine information available, 89% had not been fully vaccinated against flu. Overall, only about half of children in the U.S. got their flu shot last year. Here are some things to know about flu shots and how this year’s flu vaccines are more convenient — and important — for families than ever.
When is flu season?
The official flu season in the United States typically runs from October to May. Influenza seasons typically peak between December and February each year, which means this is when people tend to end up in the hospital the most due to influenza. The 2024-2025 influenza season was classified as a high-severity season.
Why is the flu so concerning?
One of the reasons for high hospitalization rates last year was the combination of COVID-19 and RSV in addition to flu. These viruses can cause infants and children to have lower respiratory infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, which lead many children to the emergency room or to be hospitalized, which can even occur in otherwise healthy children. The combination of high rates of respiratory disease had an impact on the overall severity of the season, but even when you just consider the flu, there are predictors that say this year could be just as dangerous. That’s why healthcare providers and organizations are encouraging patients to get their flu shot earlier than they might usually plan to, as a precautionary measure.
We can’t predict all the factors that will make a flu season high severity, but when it comes to protection, vaccination is key and the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommend a yearly flu shot for everyone 6 months of age and older. Also, flu shots change each year using predictive methods to make them as effective as possible.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC use various data, including viral surveillance and antigenic characterization, to predict the most likely strains to circulate during the upcoming flu season. This information is then used to develop the annual flu vaccine.
Who can get a flu vaccine?
Protecting our youngest and most vulnerable is our top priority. That’s why the AAP strongly recommends that all children 6 months and older, without medical contraindications, receive the flu vaccine appropriate for their age and health status as soon as possible. Given the severity of the last flu season and the risk of influenza-associated death, vaccination is more crucial than ever.
If your child has health insurance, most health plans cover flu vaccination at no cost (it’s considered preventive care). Free flu shots are also available without insurance for qualifying kids through the CDC’s Vaccines for Children Program. Your child’s doctor may already offer this or you can check with your local health department to find a provider.
The flu vaccine is offered in two forms: a shot and a nasal spray. The shot can be given to anyone 6 months and older without contraindications. The nasal spray is for people aged 2 to 49 years without medical contraindications.
Top 3 Flu Vaccine Developments This Year
Top three developments for this year’s flu season include more options for flu vaccine delivery and a commitment to preservative-free formulas.
Trivalent Vaccines
Flu vaccines in the U.S. for the 2025-2026 season will be trivalent (three-component) vaccines. Trivalent means the flu vaccines will protect against three influenza viruses: two influenza A viruses (H1N1 and H3N2) and one influenza B virus.
Thimerosal-Free Option
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recommended thimerosal-free vaccines for children, pregnant women, and adults for the upcoming season, reports the American Hospital Association.
The thimerosal-free (i.e., preservative-free) option is part of an effort to enhance public confidence in vaccines, as there is no evidence-based reason for removal. HHS adopted a recommendation from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to remove thimerosal and voted on this option where adults receive only single-dose influenza vaccines free of mercury.
Thimerosal has not been in single dose flu vaccines, largely used in children, for decades. Vaccine manufacturers have confirmed their capacity to replace these formulations, ensuring uninterrupted vaccine supplies.
FDA Approvals
This is the first flu season when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved FluMist (live attenuated vaccine) for administration at home. FluMist is the nasal spray version of the flu vaccine and the approval for self-administration — or administration by caregivers — applies to individuals aged 2 through 49 years. This change is expected to increase accessibility and make flu protection even more convenient for families.
There was also an extended approval for Flublok® (recombinant vaccine) which means younger patients can get it this year (now ages 9 and up are eligible for this flu shot). One reason you may receive Flublok is if you answer “yes” to that question about being allergic to eggs.
Flu Vaccines Near Me
Getting a yearly flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications. Ask your primary care doctor about local flu activity, available flu vaccines — including nasal flu vaccine — and any concerns or questions you have. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about what to keep top of mind when it comes to your child’s individual health when it comes to flu risk, and find out what the options are for flu shots based on your child’s age and flu shot urgency.
