State public health staff cite 2024–25 data, urge vaccines for people 6 months and older; advise monoclonal antibody timing for some pregnant women

A Department of Public Health staff member said data from the 2024–25 season show the greatest morbidity and mortality among children ages 6 months to 2 years and among adults 75 and older and urged eligible people to get vaccinated and follow state guidance.

"In this last season, I'm talking about just data from 2024 to 2025, is the greatest morbidity and mortality was in our children 6 months to 2 years of age. That's where we had the highest mortality as it came to children. And then again in our adults who were 75. So think about that when you're thinking about how to best protect your kids and your family, staying in school, staying at work, and staying healthy. Everybody 6 months and older can get a flu shot and certainly that is something that is also helpful," the staff member said.

The staff member also advised pregnant women about monoclonal antibody timing, saying, "And if you're a pregnant woman between the weeks of 32 to 36 weeks, getting monoclonal antibody after birth." The speaker added that the Department has published guidance describing recommended protections "for the 3 viruses for which we have protection" and said the guidance clarifies current state recommendations.

The remarks are advisory: the transcript records guidance disseminated by Department of Public Health staff rather than a formal regulatory change or vote. The speaker did not name the three viruses while noting protective measures are available and that guidance has been issued in Connecticut.

Clarifying details recorded in the meeting included that the speaker cited data limited to the 2024–25 season, identified the highest-risk age groups as children 6 months to 2 years and adults 75 and older, and stated that vaccine eligibility for influenza extends to everyone aged 6 months and older. The speaker recommended that pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks consider monoclonal antibody timing around birth; no further clinical details or specific product names were given in the transcript.

The Department of Public Health staff member framed the guidance as a public-health measure to reduce mortality and morbidity in vulnerable age groups and said the Department has posted guidance for residents of Connecticut. The transcript does not record a vote, a requirement change, or additional details about which antibodies or vaccines were referenced.