Pediatric flu hospitalizations at highest rate in 15 years – Garfield County, Colorado
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Female nurse with surgical mask and in gloves giving vaccine injection to a child in clinic.

Pediatric flu hospitalizations at highest rate in 15 years

Garfield County Public Health Department urges vaccination and precautions

PRESS RELEASE
January 23, 2026

Experts say it’s not too late to get vaccinated for flu this season, and for good reason. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flu data released this week shows that children younger than 18 had the highest weekly hospitalization rate since 2011.

Last week alone, 15 pediatric influenza-associated deaths occurred, bringing the national total to 32 this season. Ninety percent of the deaths have been in children who were not vaccinated against influenza. The pediatric age group is classified as having “high severity.”

Flu in Colorado has been particularly bad, with some of the highest rates in the nation at the start of the season. From November 1 through January 12, Garfield County experienced 28 hospitalizations, compared to 12 in the same period in 2025.

Colorado has had three pediatric flu deaths this season. This year’s flu strains seem to have had a larger impact on children than in previous years.

“Flu typically impacts our elderly at a disproportionate rate, but this year, it is our kids who seem to be more heavily impacted,” said Garfield County Public Health Deputy Director Sara Brainard. “This virulent strain, combined with a low vaccination rate of 24 percent county-wide, has made for an increase in illness.”

The department urges caution, getting a flu shot, staying home when sick, and washing your hands as often as possible.

Data is showing this year’s vaccine efficacy at 72 to 75 percent for children and 60 percent for adults.

“Vaccine efficacy rates can vary year to year,” Brainard said. “But this year’s vaccine seems to be a pretty strong match. The flu vaccine may not keep you from getting the flu, but it can reduce your risk of severe disease or death.”

The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone aged 6 months and older. Flu vaccine is available at low to no cost by appointment through Garfield County Public Health.

Garfield County Public Health information is provided online on the public health website.