New Jersey Department of Health Reports First Pediatric Flu Death, Reminds Residents to Protect Themselves and Loved Ones Against the Flu and Other Respiratory Viruses

TRENTON, NJ - The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is reporting the state's first confirmed pediatric flu death of the 2025-2026 season and reminding residents that vaccination against the flu and other viruses like COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most effective tool for preventing severe respiratory illnesses.

"This flu season is already shaping up to be a very serious one, with more cases than previous years and, tragically, one child's death this week. We extend our deepest condolences to the child's family," said Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown. "By getting vaccinated, we can each do our part in reducing the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses in New Jersey and helping prevent serious complications."

The child, from the northern region of the state, was under five years old and had no known comorbidities.

The number of people sick with influenza and the number of those who are sick enough to visit doctors, emergency departments, and be admitted to a hospital all remain very elevated.

Flu vaccination prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related health care provider visits each year. It remains the most effective protection against the transmission of influenza.

NJDOH and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend flu vaccination for everyone ages six months and older. Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications from the flu, including:

• Children younger than five years, but especially children younger than two years;
• People 65 years and older;
• Those who are pregnant or have given birth in the last two weeks; and
• People who have medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes.

Flu vaccination should also be a priority for persons who live with or care for individuals at higher risk for influenza-related complications. This includes health care personnel and household contacts of children younger than six months of age.

While flu vaccination is recommended earlier in the season, it is not too late to get vaccinated. Flu activity typically continues through the spring and can last as late as May. The flu vaccine begins working soon after getting a shot, but it takes about two weeks to provide the most protection.

Flu vaccination is available at health care provider offices, pharmacies, federally qualified health centers, and local health departments. NJDOH also offers no or low-cost vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) and 317-Funded Adult Program to eligible residents.The NJ VFC program provides vaccines for children 18 years or younger who meet one of the following criteria: uninsured; underinsured; Medicaid-eligible; American Indian or Alaska Native. The 317-Funded Adult Program provides vaccines for adults 19 years or older who are uninsured or underinsured. NJDOH has a VFC and 317-Funded Provider Search Tool; however, it is important to call ahead to confirm availability and eligibility.

In addition to immunization, NJDOH encourages residents to take other steps to protect themselves and their communities from the flu and other respiratory illnesses. Practicing healthy behaviors such as washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with sick people, masking in crowded indoor settings, and staying home when sick can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Most people with the flu recover at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications. If symptoms are severe or worsen, or if you are at high risk for complications (including adults 65 years and older, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic health conditions), contact your health care provider. Antiviral medications work best when started early.

People who are sick should seek emergency care right away if they have trouble breathing, constant chest pain, confusion, severe vomiting, or if they start to feel better but then get worse again with a higher fever or stronger cough. For children, get emergency care if their skin looks bluish, they are not drinking enough fluids, or they are very sleepy and hard to wake.

NJDOH supports several community initiatives to promote flu vaccination and prevention of severe illness from influenza such as the NJ Influenza Honor Roll and the NJ College & University Flu Challenge. The NJ Influenza Honor Roll is an initiative to recognize institutions striving to promote influenza awareness and prevention within their communities. Eligible institutions are encouraged to submit applications detailing influenza-related activities implemented during the flu season. The NJ College & University Flu Challengeis an initiative that teams NJDOH with higher educational institutions in the State to improve flu vaccination rates among students. The challenge encourages friendly competition between institutions to determine which campus can achieve the highest flu vaccination rates.

Additional Resources:

• NJ Respiratory Illness Data & Reports: nj.gov/health/respiratory-viruses/data-and-reports
• Respiratory Illness Dashboard: nj.gov/health/respiratory-viruses/data-and-reports/#respiratory-illness-dashboard
• NJDOH Flu Webpage: nj.gov/health/cd/topics/flu.shtml
• Flu Basics: Tips to Stay Healthy During Flu SeasonBrochure: nj.gov/health/respiratory-viruses/documents/flu/flu-basics-eng.pdf