At least 216 children died of influenza in the United States “this year” from influenzathey reported the US control and prevention centers in the US, noting that it is the highest number of childhood deaths in the past 15 years.

In New York, health authorities warned Wednesday of the dangers of vaccine misinformation, as the state announced the highest number of childhood deaths recorded for any influenza season, as 25 children have succumbed to the virus or diseases related to the influenza.

“The misinformation of vaccines has in recent years contributed to a reduction in vaccination rates,” said New York State Health Commissioner. James McDonald in a press release. “Vaccines are the best protection we have and save lives, including the lives of very young children.”

Only one of the 25 children who died in New York was vaccinated, McDonald said. Five of the children were too young to make the vaccine.

This season marks the highest number of deaths from the 2009-2010 season, when 288 children died, according to American Hospital Union.

The CDC recommends people over 6 months to make the influenza vaccine each year. For those who have become ill from the flu, the CDC recommends that the treatment of prescription anti -influenza drugs “must start as early as possible and is particularly important for patients with a higher risk for serious illness”.

Vaccination rates against influenza between children and adults have generally decreased in recent years, especially after the coronary pandemic, according to the CDC.

In March, the Washington Post reported increased admissions to influenza hospitals to children aged 5 to 17 years, with public health experts sounding the alarm for an increasing wave of anti -vaccination, which is partially powered by federal officials such as Robert F. Kennedy jr., who is a well -known skeptic for vaccines.

The Trump government also canceled or delayed at least two meetings of the Vaccine Advisory Committee this year, which were intended to help select the composition of the next winter influenza vaccine.

About 55.4% of children in the US between 6 months and 17 years received at least one dose of the influenza vaccine during the 2023-24 season, from 57.4% in the period 2022-23 and 63.7% reported in 2019-2020.

New York had the sixth highest rate of influenza vaccination among children in the period 2023-24, with 64.6%. Massachusetts took the highest position, with 75.1%, and Mississippi the lowest, with 35.4%.