INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The 2024-2025 flu season resulted in 266 pediatric deaths, marking one of the most severe periods in recent U.S. history. Health officials said the season was characterized by high levels of illness and hospitalization nationwide.

Of the children who died, 90% were eligible for a flu vaccine but were not vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. Flu activity typically runs from October through May and peaks between December and February.

The 2024-2025 season included an estimated 43 million illnesses, 500,000 hospitalizations and 38,000 deaths.

Dr. Candice Robinson, director of scientific affairs and public health for U.S. vaccines at GSK, described the season as among the most severe i...