JACKSON – The Mississippi State Department of Health has confirmed the state’s first pediatric influenza death of the 2025-26 flu season.
The death was announced Friday. A pediatric flu death is defined as the death of a person younger than 18, according to the health department.
Officials did not release the child’s age, gender or location, citing privacy and respect for the family.
The death brings the total number of pediatric flu deaths in Mississippi to 28 since such deaths became reportable during the 2008-09 flu season, the department said.
State Epidemiologist Dr. Renia Dotson urged residents to get vaccinated.
“A vaccination won’t necessarily keep you from getting the flu, but it can reduce your risk of infection and is the best protection to keep you from a severe outcome,” Dotson said in a statement.
Health officials recommend that everyone 6 months and older receive an updated flu vaccine.
Flu season in Mississippi typically peaks between January and March, and the flu shot can take up to two weeks to provide immunity, according to the department.
Flu shots for eligible children 18 and younger are available at county health departments through the Vaccines for Children program. Insurance, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program also are accepted for children’s flu shots, officials said.
Adults who are uninsured or underinsured can receive flu shots at county health department clinics. For insured adults, vaccines are widely available through private doctors, pharmacies and retail clinics.
