Risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A/H5N1 Virus in Pediatrics

Although the current risk of avian influenza A/H5N1 Virus infection in humans is low, children represent a high-risk group for severe disease as virus evolves. A/H5N1 vaccine development, clinical trials, and implementation strategies for infants and children should be prioritized. Highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1 Virus has been found in multiple US states since 2024. While human infection risk is currently low, children are a high-risk group for severe infection as the virus evolves. Preventive efforts should prioritize children in vaccine and therapeutic clinical trials and vaccine implementation strategies.