Influenza Vaccine Effective in Reducing Hospitalizations, Outpatient Visits of Children With Influenza: Study

A Pediatrics study found the influenza vaccine was 34% to 60% effective in preventing hospitalizations and outpatient visits of children with influenza during three flu seasons between 2021-2024. The study, “Pediatric Vaccine Effectiveness against Influenza Hospitalization and Outpatient Visits: 2021-2024,” published in the May 2026 Pediatrics (published online April 6) observed that influenza vaccination uptake was low -- with only half or less than half of the pediatric population vaccinated each season. Authors reviewed data from seven U.S. pediatric medical centers within the New Vaccine Surveillance Network, including children 6 months to 17 years who were hospitalized or received outpatient care for acute respiratory illness. Of the 19,917 children with acute respiratory illness, 2,831 (14%) tested positive for influenza; and 17,086 (86%) were negative for influenza; 8,523 (43%) were vaccinated and 11,394 (57%) were unvaccinated. Vaccination uptake among children testing negative for influenza ranged from 44% to 51% by season. The authors suggest that, given recent and continual declines in pediatric influenza vaccination coverage and the severity of recent influenza seasons, pediatricians, parents, and public health professionals are encouraged to take proactive measures in future influenza seasons. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all children 6 months and older. 

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.