Three New CDC Reports Summarize the 2024-2025 Flu Season

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CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older in the United States get a flu vaccine, ideally by the end of October.

September 26, 2025

	Influenza (Flu) 2025 - 2026 Flu Season

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Three New 2024-2025 Flu Season Reports

CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) published two reports on the impact of flu on children during the 2024-2025 flu season in the United States. A third online report summarizes the common circulating viruses, duration and severity of the 2024-2025 season, which was the most severe season since 2017-2018. CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older in the United States get a flu vaccine, ideally by the end of October. Distribution of flu vaccines updated for this season is underway. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your flu vaccine options.

Pediatric Flu-Related IAE	Pediatric Flu Deaths	2024-2025 Flu Season Summary

Highlights from the Three New Reports

• One CDC analysis summarizes characteristics of 109 flu-related encephalopathy (IAE) cases identified in children last season. IAE is a rare and serious neurologic complication of flu. Of the reported cases, 55% were previously healthy, 74% were admitted to an intensive care unit, and 19% died. Only 16% of patients with IAE had received a flu vaccine.
• Another MMWR report summarizes characteristics of 280 flu-related pediatric deaths reported to CDC through September 13, 2025, for last flu season. While more than half of children (56%) had at least one underlying medical condition, the others were otherwise healthy. Among those eligible and with known vaccination status, 89% had not been fully vaccinated against flu.
• An online report summarizes the 2024-2025 flu season which is classified by CDC as being of high severity, the worst since 2017–2018. The report also includes the composition U.S. flu vaccines for the upcoming 2025–2026 season, which have been updated.
• Consistent with prior guidance, everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine, ideally by the end of October. Flu vaccination is especially important for people who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, like those with certain chronic health conditions, pregnant women, young children and people 65 years and older. Health care providers can support patients in making informed decisions about vaccinations.
• More information about flu in children and the 2025-2026 flu season is available at Flu and Children | Influenza (Flu) | CDC and 2025–2026 Flu Season | Influenza (Flu) | CDC. 

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