Many of the deaths were preventable with vaccines, experts said.

This is why I will confront anti-vaxxers in public.

Nearly 200 children died from influenza-related complications in the 2023-24 season, according to the CDC. Most of these children were eligible for a vaccine but did not receive one. The CDC reported that only 53% of children aged 6 months to 17 years were vaccinated this season, down from 56% the previous season. Vaccination rates were notably lower among Black children and those in rural areas.