The New York State Department of Health is encouraging residents to receive the 2025-2026 seasonal influenza vaccine. This comes after new federal data highlighted severe flu-related complications in children, including cases of influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) and acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), a rare but serious condition.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, there were 109 reported cases of IAE among children nationwide during the 2024-25 flu season. Of these, 37 cases, or 34 percent, were classified as ANE.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald stated, “The seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect against these tragedies and is the best measure of protection for babies and young children who are vulnerable to severe pediatric-related illnesses caused by the flu. As we head into the respiratory season this fall, the 2025-2026 flu vaccine is widely available. I encourage all New Yorkers to either make an appointment with a provider or stop by your local pharmacy to get vaccinated and enjoy the peace of mind that you and your family and loved ones are protected.”
Data from New York State shows an increase in pediatric flu deaths over recent years: three deaths occurred in the 2021-22 season, rising to 14 in 2022-23, and reaching 20 deaths in the 2023-24 season.
The Department emphasizes that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent serious illness and death from influenza. The flu vaccine is available at participating pharmacies without a prescription for individuals aged two years and older. Children as young as six months can receive the vaccine at healthcare providers’ offices.
Additional information about the influenza vaccine can be found at https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal/. Details regarding vaccine safety are available at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/index.html.
