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New Jersey Sees Record Pediatric Flu Deaths Amid Declining Vaccine Rates

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ric-flu-deaths-amid-declining-vaccine-rates.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 11:11 GMT by Patch
      Locale: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

Pediatric Flu Deaths Rise as Vaccination Rates Dwindle in New Jersey – What You Need to Know

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has released new data that paints a stark picture of the 2023‑2024 influenza season: more children are dying from the flu in the state than in any season since records began, while vaccination coverage among children has slipped to its lowest level in years. The article on Patch.com, “Pediatric flu deaths rise as vaccination rates dwindle – what you need to know,” chronicles this unsettling trend, explores the reasons behind the decline in immunization, and offers guidance for parents, schools, and public‑health officials on how to curb the crisis.

1. The Numbers Speak for Themselves

• Five pediatric flu deaths in the first six months of the season—up from just one in the same period the previous year—were reported in New Jersey. According to the NJDOH’s weekly flu surveillance data, the state now has 34 confirmed pediatric deaths related to influenza since the 2022‑2023 season, compared with 19 the year before.

• On the national stage, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 30 child deaths in the United States during the 2023‑2024 season, a dramatic increase from 13 deaths in 2022‑2023. The uptick is especially pronounced in the 6‑23‑month age group, where most fatalities have occurred.

• Vaccination coverage for children aged 6‑23 months has fallen to 52 % in New Jersey, a drop from 58 % in the 2022‑2023 season. Among older kids (ages 24‑59 months), coverage sits at 55 %, and for adolescents (6‑17 years) it is 68 %—well below the national average of 71 % for the 6‑59 month cohort.

These statistics—pulled directly from the NJDOH’s “Flu Vaccine Coverage” dashboard and the CDC’s FluView website—are the backbone of the article’s warning.

2. Why Are Children Getting Sick and Dying?

The article dives into a variety of factors that have created a perfect storm for pediatric influenza mortality:

1. Misinformation and Vaccine Hesitancy
   – A survey linked in the Patch article shows that nearly one‑third of parents in New Jersey cite “concerns about vaccine safety” as the main reason for not vaccinating their kids. Social‑media‑driven myths—such as the belief that the flu shot can cause the flu—continue to spread unchecked.

2. Supply Chain and Distribution Gaps
   – New Jersey’s pediatric vaccination clinics have reported shortages of the quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) that contains the B/Colorado/06/2017 strain, which the CDC identified as the dominant strain in the current season. The article notes that the NJDOH is working with state distributors to prioritize allocation to schools and community clinics.

3. Limited Access to Vaccination Sites
   – Rural and low‑income ZIP codes are underrepresented in the state’s vaccination data. The Patch article links to a map of the “Child Vaccination Access Score” that highlights counties with fewer than three pediatric vaccination sites per 10,000 residents.

4. Low Uptake of New Vaccines
   – The 2023‑2024 season saw the first use of the intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) for children ages 2‑5 in New Jersey, but uptake has been inconsistent. Parents often perceive LAIV as less “effective” than the injectable shot. The article links to a CDC advisory that explains the relative efficacy of LAIV versus QIV.

5. Changing Viral Landscape
   – The current season is dominated by the H3N2 strain, which is notorious for causing more severe disease in young children. The article cites the CDC’s “Seasonal Influenza Virus Surveillance” page to explain how antigenic drift can outpace vaccine production timelines.

3. The Human Stories Behind the Stats

A centerpiece of the article is the heartbreaking story of 2‑year‑old Lily, who died of influenza complications in August. A link to a New Jersey newspaper piece gives a firsthand look at how Lily’s family struggled to secure a vaccine appointment amid a nationwide shortage. Lily’s story underscores the emotional cost of vaccine denial and logistical hurdles, resonating with many families across the state.

4. Recommendations for Parents, Schools, and Health Workers

The Patch article offers a concise “What to Do” section, derived from the NJDOH’s public‑health guidance:

• Get Your Kids Vaccinated – The article reminds readers that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all children aged 6‑59 months receive a flu vaccine every year. A link to the CDC’s “Flu Vaccines for Children” page lists recommended vaccines and dosing schedules.

• Check Local Clinic Availability – Parents are urged to use the NJDOH’s “Vaccination Site Locator” to find the nearest pediatric clinic or school‑based program. The article highlights school‑based immunization clinics that have been running in partnership with the NJDOH’s Office of School Health.

• Talk to Your Pediatrician – The piece includes a link to a downloadable “Parent FAQ” from the American Academy of Pediatrics that addresses common myths about flu vaccines.

• Plan for Early Flu Season – The NJDOH warns that the influenza season can begin as early as September in New Jersey, so parents should get vaccinated as soon as the shot is available. The article links to the state’s early‑season vaccination timeline.

• Consider Alternative Delivery – For families hesitant about injections, the article encourages discussion with healthcare providers about the intranasal vaccine option. It also notes that LAIV is only available for children aged 2‑5 and requires a full 5‑minute administration.

5. What the State Is Doing

The article reports on several state‑level initiatives aimed at reversing the downward trend:

• Expanded School‑Based Vaccination Programs – The NJDOH is rolling out a “Free Flu Shot” program to all public schools in low‑income districts, funded by a $2.5 million grant from the New Jersey Health Department.

• Community Outreach Partnerships – Collaborations with faith‑based organizations, community centers, and local media outlets are designed to disseminate accurate vaccine information and counter misinformation.

• Mobile Vaccination Clinics – A new fleet of mobile units will visit rural towns and underserved neighborhoods starting in October.

• Data Transparency – The NJDOH will publish weekly vaccination coverage reports broken down by ZIP code, allowing residents to see real‑time progress.

6. Bottom Line

The Patch.com article, supported by data from the NJDOH, CDC, and local news outlets, provides a sobering reminder that the influenza virus is not a “low‑risk” illness for children. With pediatric deaths on the rise and vaccination rates slipping, the article calls for a collective effort—parents, schools, healthcare providers, and public‑health officials—to restore confidence in the flu vaccine and to ensure that every child in New Jersey has the chance to be protected before the season’s worst days arrive. The article ends with a powerful message: “Every child’s life matters—get vaccinated, save lives.”