The current flu season in the United States has resulted in 216 child deaths, the highest since the 2009-2010 swine flu pandemic, according to the CDC. The alarming number is expected to rise as the flu season progresses and more data is compiled, with the final tally anticipated in autumn. A significant factor contributing to the severity of this flu season is the decline in flu vaccination rates among children, which have dropped from 64% to 49% over the past five years. Despite flu vaccines not completely preventing symptoms, they are highly effective at reducing hospitalizations and deaths, highlighting the impact of reduced vaccination uptake. The CDC reports this season as particularly severe, with 47 million illnesses, 610,000 hospitalizations, and 26,000 deaths, although flu indicators have been declining since February.

The flu season has seen 216 pediatric deaths, surpassing last year's 207, marking the highest toll since the swine flu pandemic 15 years ago. This number is anticipated to increase as the season continues and more comprehensive data is gathered.

Dr. Sean O’Leary from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that the current count is likely an undercount and will rise once the season concludes and all information is consolidated.

A major factor in this season's severity is the decline in flu vaccination rates among children, which have decreased from approximately 64% five years ago to 49% this season.

Flu vaccinations, while not entirely preventing flu symptoms, are shown to be highly effective in reducing hospitalizations and deaths, indicating that the reduction in vaccinations contributes significantly to the high death toll.

The CDC has described this flu season as 'highly severe,' with estimates of at least 47 million illnesses, 610,000 hospitalizations, and 26,000 deaths across the country.

Despite the severity, there is a positive trend as flu indicators have been declining since February, providing some hope for a less severe continuation of the season.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department's reporting on this issue is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, though the AP maintains sole responsibility for the content.