The first pediatric flu death in 2026 has been reported in Mississippi.
The Mississippi State Department of Health confirmed the death on Friday. A pediatric death is defined as the death of an individual under 18 years of age. State officials did not provide the specific age, gender, or location of the death “out of respect and privacy for the family.”
Including the most recent victim’s passing, there have been a total of 28 pediatric flu deaths in Mississippi since the health department began keeping a record in the 2008-09 season.
“We highly encourage people to get a flu shot. A vaccination won’t necessarily keep you from getting the flu, although it can reduce your risk of infection and is the best protection to keep you from a severe outcome,” State Epidemiologist Dr. Renia Dotson said. “We recommend everyone six months of age and older to get an updated flu vaccination.”
Flu season typically peaks in January through March in Mississippi, and the flu shot usually takes up to two weeks to produce immunity, officials say. Flu shots for those 18 and under who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program are available at local county health departments. Insurance, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program are also accepted for children’s flu shots. A list of all VFC providers can be found here.
Adults who are underinsured or uninsured can receive shots at county health department clinics. Flu shots for insured adults are widely available through private physicians, pharmacies, and retail centers.
While officials tout yearly vaccination as the best protection against flu, there are other things one can do to reduce the spread of flu, whether one is vaccinated or not. Measures include covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, staying at home when you or your children are sick, and washing your hands frequently and keeping them away from your face.