Asthma Kids: Higher Risks and Lower Vaccination Rates

The 2024 national health survey looked at children with asthma across the country. It found that about 6.5% of kids aged 17 and under had asthma. The numbers got higher as kids got older - 8.2% for those 5 to 12, and 7.8% for those 13 to 17. Only 2.2% of children under 5 had asthma.

When it came to vaccines, the picture was mixed. About half of kids with asthma got the flu shot - 54.1%. Even fewer got the COVID-19 vaccine - 50.9%. The study also showed that older kids, boys, and Black children with asthma were more likely to have asthma. But vaccination rates stayed low across these groups.

These numbers mean something important. Kids with asthma face bigger risks from respiratory infections like flu and COVID-19. The low vaccination rates mean more kids could get sick. Experts say we need better plans to reach these kids with vaccines and care. Tailored approaches could help reduce asthma problems and boost vaccination coverage. More research is needed to find the best ways to help.

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