First Pediatric Death Confirmed in '25-26 Flu Season

Jackson, Miss. — The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has confirmed the first pediatric influenza death in Mississippi for the 2025-2026 flu season. A pediatric death is defined as the death of an individual under 18 years of age. The MSDH does not provide details of the specific age, gender or location of the death out of respect and privacy for the family.

Including this death, there have been a total of 28 pediatric flu deaths in the state since reportable flu deaths began in the 2008-2009 season.

"We highly encourage people to get a flu shot. 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," said State Epidemiologist Dr. Renia Dotson. "We recommend that 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. Flu shots for those 18 and under who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children program are available at county health departments. Insurance, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are also accepted for children's flu shots. A list of all VFC providers can be found at msdh.ms.gov/vfc.

Adults who are underinsured or uninsured can receive shots at MSDH county health department clinics. Flu shots for insured adults are widely available through private physicians, pharmacies and retail centers.

While yearly vaccination is the best protection against flu, there are other things you can do to reduce the spread of flu whether you are vaccinated or not. These measures include:

• Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Staying at home when you or your children are sick.
• Washing your hands frequently and keeping them away from your face.

Individual flu cases are not reported to MSDH. The agency monitors flu activity through the ILI system, made up of healthcare providers in Mississippi who report the percentage of patients with flu-like symptoms to a statewide database. Providers participating in the system also submit respiratory samples for flu testing to the MSDH Public Health Laboratory. State health officials use this information to determine the presence and spread of flu throughout the state.

For more information on the flu, please visit our website at msdh.ms.gov/flu.