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Dear Immunization Partners,

Please share the following information with providers in your jurisdiction.

Over the past week, influenza-like illness (ILI) increased from moderate to high, emergency department (ED) visits associated with influenza doubled (from 1.2% to 2.4%), and the number of influenza-associated hospitalizations increased by 73% (from 142 to 245). Further, influenza activity is disproportionately affecting school-aged children. Children 5-17 years old have the largest percentage of ED visits associated with influenza (9.9%), followed by those 2-4 years old (8.2%). Notably, this increase in influenza is occurring earlier than is typical for the season.

National estimates indicate at least 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations, and 1,900 deaths, including 3 children, from flu so far this season.

Flu vaccination is very safe and the best way to prevent flu and its complications. Everyone age 6 months and older (with rare exception) is recommended to get a yearly flu vaccine. Vaccination lowers the risk of influenza-related illness, hospitalization, and death.

Children aged 6 months through 8 years who did not receive ≥2 trivalent or quadrivalent influenza vaccine doses before July 1, 2025, or whose influenza vaccination history is unknown, require 2 doses of influenza vaccine for the season. A meta-analysis of 51 studies published in JAMA Network Open estimate a 28–percentage-point increase in influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) from a second inactivated dose for vaccine-naive children younger than 3 years.

Flu vaccination rates have fallen in recent years, leaving more people at risk of severe flu. Take advantage of every opportunity to make a strong recommendation for getting a flu vaccine and other vaccines your patients may need, such as COVID-19, RSV, and pneumococcal vaccines. Flu vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

Use the SHARE method when discussing flu vaccination with your patients.

• Share why a flu vaccine is right for a patient.
• Highlight positive experiences with flu vaccines.
• Address patient questions.
• Remind patients a flu vaccine can protect them and their loved ones from serious complications.
• Explain the potential costs of getting sick with flu.

It is not too late to vaccinate and protect your patients from flu this season.

MDHHS Division of Immunization