The CDC reduced the number of vaccines recommended for all children. Here’s what the shift could mean for Louisiana’s kids.

Flu and respiratory illness activity hits its peak across the country and Louisiana is reporting very high and increasing levels.

New data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday shows a massive spike in flu activity nationwide.

Still one pediatrician says there are a lot of things that have not changed. Tulane pediatrician Dr. John Schieffelin says hepatitis B is extremely contagious, even from sharing a spoon, and he agrees with the importance of all the childhood vaccines.

ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) - Louisiana is experiencing the worst flu activity in the nation, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control flu map, which shows cases spiking across the country. According to the CDC, the country saw a 33% increase in people testing positive for influenza between December 20 and December 27.

The 2025-26 flu season is seeing a lot of activity, even before its usual peak. According to the CDC, at least 11 million people have had the flu so far this year, 120,000 have been hospitalized with it,