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Following a flu season that claimed 26 children’s lives and saw a surge in severe brain complications among kids, New York health officials on Tuesday strongly urged residents to get their flu shots.
The state’s Department of Health issued its warning after a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documented 109 cases of influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) in children nationwide during the 2024–25 flu season, which ran from October through September.
Thirty-seven of those cases — about one-third — involved acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), an especially severe form of the illness.
The data hits particularly close to home for New York, where 13 suspected cases of IAE and ANE were reported during the same period. In three of those cases, the child died.
A total of 26 total pediatric influenza-associated deaths were reported across the state during the 2024-25 season.
“The seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect against these tragedies and is the best measure of protection for babies and young children who are vulnerable to severe pediatric-related illnesses caused by the flu,” state health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.
The vaccination status of the affected children underscores the importance of immunization: among New York’s suspected IAE and ANE cases, nine children had not received the seasonal flu vaccine, and one was ineligible for vaccination.
Officials noted that the statistics reflect a disturbing upward trend in pediatric flu deaths across the state. Fatalities have climbed steadily from three in the 2021-22 season to 14 in 2022-23, 20 in 2023-24, and 26 in the most recent season.
McDonald maintained that the seasonal influenza vaccine remains the best protection against serious illness and death from the flu and noted that the 2025-2026 flu vaccine is widely available.
“I encourage all New Yorkers to either make an appointment with a provider or stop by your local pharmacy to get vaccinated and enjoy the peace of mind that you and your family and loved ones are protected.”
The seasonal flu vaccine is available without prescription at participating pharmacies for New Yorkers aged 2 and older. Children 6 months and older can receive the vaccine at their health care provider’s office.
Top: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
