According to the CDC, children younger than 5 years of age –especially those younger than 2 years old– are at high risk of serious flu-related complications. In his remarks launching the HHS Annual Flu Vaccination Campaign, HHS Secretary Azar said, “Illness occurs very quickly: 65 percent of reported flu deaths in children happen within seven days after symptom onset, 38 percent of deaths occur before being admitted to the hospital.” Adding “of those children 6 months and older who died from the flu between 2010 and 2016, only 22 percent were fully vaccinated against flu.” Learn more on how to protect children during flu season here.
