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New York State Department of Health Encourages New Yorkers to Get Flu Vaccine As New Data Shows Severe Pediatric-Associated Illnesses
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Releases Report on Nationwide Cases and Deaths Among Children with Influenza-Associated Encephalopathy (IAE) and Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy (ANE)
Thirteen Suspected Cases of Pediatric IAE and ANE Reported in New York State, Including Three Pediatric Deaths
New York Reported 26 Influenza-Associated Pediatric Deaths in 2024-25 Influenza Season
ALBANY, N.Y. (September 30, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health is urging eligible New Yorkers to get the 2025-2026 seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine, following new federal data showing severe complications in children, including influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) and acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), a rare but serious condition from the flu that affects children.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) found that during the 2024-25 flu season (October 2024 to September 2025), there were 109 reports of IAE in children reported nationwide – of which 37 (34 percent) were categorized as ANE, one of the most severe forms of the disease.
"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," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "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."
New York State Data:
Pediatric flu deaths have been increasing year over year from three deaths in the 2021-22 season, to 14 deaths in the 2022-23 season and 20 deaths in the 2023-24 season.
The seasonal influenza vaccine remains the best protection against serious illness and death from the flu. The flu vaccine remains available to New Yorkers aged 2 and older at participating pharmacies without a prescription. Children 6 months and older can receive the influenza vaccine at a health care provider's office.
More information about the influenza vaccine is available here.
Information about vaccine safety can be found here.
https://www.health.ny.gov/press/rele...lu_vaccine.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Releases Report on Nationwide Cases and Deaths Among Children with Influenza-Associated Encephalopathy (IAE) and Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy (ANE)
Thirteen Suspected Cases of Pediatric IAE and ANE Reported in New York State, Including Three Pediatric Deaths
New York Reported 26 Influenza-Associated Pediatric Deaths in 2024-25 Influenza Season
ALBANY, N.Y. (September 30, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health is urging eligible New Yorkers to get the 2025-2026 seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine, following new federal data showing severe complications in children, including influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) and acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), a rare but serious condition from the flu that affects children.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) found that during the 2024-25 flu season (October 2024 to September 2025), there were 109 reports of IAE in children reported nationwide – of which 37 (34 percent) were categorized as ANE, one of the most severe forms of the disease.
"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," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "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."
New York State Data:
- In New York State, 13 suspected cases of IAE and ANE were reported.
- Three of these cases resulted in death.
- Among the suspect cases, nine children had not received the seasonal flu vaccine and one was ineligible for the vaccine.
- The three deaths associated with IAE and ANE were among a total of 26 pediatric influenza-associated deaths reported statewide during the 2024-25 season.
Pediatric flu deaths have been increasing year over year from three deaths in the 2021-22 season, to 14 deaths in the 2022-23 season and 20 deaths in the 2023-24 season.
The seasonal influenza vaccine remains the best protection against serious illness and death from the flu. The flu vaccine remains available to New Yorkers aged 2 and older at participating pharmacies without a prescription. Children 6 months and older can receive the influenza vaccine at a health care provider's office.
More information about the influenza vaccine is available here.
Information about vaccine safety can be found here.
https://www.health.ny.gov/press/rele...lu_vaccine.htm