(Updated on January 12, 2026)
MADERA, Calif. – As flu cases surge across the country, pediatricians at Valley Children’s say it’s not too late for kids to get their flu shot to protect them during the peak of the season.
The Fresno County Department of Public Health issued a health advisory this week as flu cases and hospital admissions continue to rise across the country.
Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new data showing the highest number of visits with flu-like symptoms to healthcare providers since 1997, the earliest year such data was tracked.
Children make up a significant portion of those visits. More than 34% of outpatient visits for respiratory illnesses were for people under age 24, and nearly 20% were for children 4 years old or younger.
“It has been a heavy flu season with lots of flu-like symptoms – and lots of kids testing positive for the flu,” said Dr. Anne VanGarsse, medical director of Valley Children’s Primary Care Group.
In 2025, doctors at Valley Children’s recommended that kids be vaccinated by the end of October to prepare their immune systems for the holidays – but if your child isn’t vaccinated yet, Dr. VanGarsse says it’s not too late.
“There’s absolutely still plenty of time to get your child their flu shot,” she said. “Flu season typically lasts many months, and getting immunity started now is a great choice.”
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The 2024–2025 flu season saw more than 280 pediatric deaths – the second-highest number reported since tracking began in 2004. Of those cases, the CDC says 89% were not fully vaccinated.
“It’s important to get vaccinated now because cases are really starting to surge, and this particular strain is proving especially virulent,” Dr. VanGarsse said.
