Why the Flu Vaccine is Your Child's Best Defense This Fall

A Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health expert weighs in

Neptune, N.J. - September 23, 2026 - As the leaves begin to change and children settle back into classrooms, parents are bracing for the inevitable return of sniffles, coughs, and fevers. But while many view the seasonal flu as just a "bad cold," the reality of the virus is far more severe for young, developing immune systems. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2024-2025 flu season claimed the lives of 216 children in the U.S. – the highest toll in 15 years for a non-pandemic season. Despite these alarming statistics, pediatric vaccination rates have been steadily dropping since 2021. To unpack why this immunization is more critical than ever, Moses Olorunnisola, M.D., pediatrician at Hackensack Meridian K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, shares more.

The Life-Saving Power of the Vaccine

A recent study in Pediatrics examining the effectiveness of the flu vaccine paints a clear, undeniable picture of its benefits – showing that the influenza vaccination reduced the risk of flu-related deaths in U.S. children and adolescents by a staggering 80% between the 2016 and 2025 flu seasons.

The research revealed that protection was robust across the board, reducing the risk of death by 77% for children with underlying medical conditions, and by 87% for children without underlying health conditions. Tragically, out of more than 1,200 laboratory-confirmed pediatric flu deaths during the study period, only 18% of the children were fully vaccinated.

Breaking Down the Basics and Dispelling the Myths

Despite the proven efficacy of the vaccine, misinformation and post-pandemic "vaccine fatigue" have been driving pediatric vaccination rates down. Many parents skip the shot because they mistakenly believe healthy kids don't need it, or because it may mean more frequent trips to the doctor.

Here are the basic facts parents need to know:

• Who is eligible: Everyone 6 months of age and older should receive an annual flu vaccine, barring a specific medical reason not to.
• Dosing: Most kids need one shot per season. However, children aged 6 months through 8 years who are receiving their first flu shot (or haven't had enough previous doses) require two doses spaced at least four weeks apart.
• How it works: The vaccine isn't an instant shield. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop. While it won't prevent other respiratory bugs like RSV, COVID-19, or the common cold, its primary role is to drastically reduce the severity of illness, hospitalization, and ICU admission if a child does catch the flu.

What Parents Should Look Out For

Because young children have immature immune systems, they are exceptionally vulnerable to the flu virus. Even completely healthy children can become critically ill. In fact, 52% of the pediatric flu deaths in the recent study occurred in children with no known high-risk medical conditions.

Parents should be vigilant and monitor their children closely, as influenza infection can rapidly escalate. Look out for the following severe complications:

• Dehydration: High fever, vomiting, and a reluctance to drink fluids can quickly become a medical emergency in young children.
• Pneumonia & Respiratory Failure: If a child is struggling to breathe, breathing rapidly, or wheezing, the flu may have progressed to the lungs, requiring immediate medical or ICU intervention.
• Encephalitis: Unrelenting lethargy, confusion, or seizures can be a sign of inflammation of the brain, a rare but life-threatening complication of the flu virus.

When it comes to flu protection, timing is everything. September and October are the ideal months to get vaccinated. However, even if you miss that early window, getting the shot between November and January is still highly worthwhile, as the flu often circulates well into the spring. 

For additional information, talk to your child’s pediatrician or visit: https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/childrens-health/vaccine-facts. 

###

Photo: Vecteezy.com