evidence: Pediatric Flu Deaths Top 100 this Season; Most Unvaccinated [...] - 41 occurred in children younger than 5 years old, who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications based on their age. [...] Flu vaccination is especially important children who are younger than 5 years of age or children of any age who have certain medical conditions, because they are more likely to develop serious flu complications that can lead to hospitalization and death. Getting vaccinated has been shown to reduce flu illnesses, doctor’s visits, missed school days, and reduce the risk of flu-related hospitalization and death in children. Even if vaccinated children get sick, vaccination has been shown to make illness less severe.