The statement seemed to assure that other vaccines would not be subject to new restrictions. “Changes regarding seasonal vaccines, such as COVID-19 and influenza, do not change the department’s policy or message regarding childhood immunizations,” it reads.
This flu season, health departments have reportedly canceled standard vaccination events and clinics. On social media, the agency is avoiding mentioning the flu shot in posts about the flu, instead advising people to wash their hands and cover their coughs.
While Louisiana is seeing an early surge in influenza cases, other parts of the country are seeing increases in what has so far been a seemingly normal season. Nationally, the rate of physician visits for ILI is 3.8%, and the increase in ILI activity is similar to that seen during the 2019-2020 influenza season at this point this year. During peak influenza season, ILI visitation rates typically reach approximately 7% to 8%.
Last week, two children died from influenza, bringing the total number of childhood deaths this season to four. In the 2023-2024 season, 206 children died from influenza-related illnesses. Most of the deaths occurred in early 2024.
The new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is also making its winter waves stronger. Standard disease burden indicators (hospitalizations and deaths) are low but trending positive. Meanwhile, sewage monitoring shows a sharp trend, with the level of virus detected at a “moderate” level.
