Officials from the Mississippi State Department of Health on Friday reported the state’s first confirmed pediatric flu death of the 2025-2026 flu season. 

This is one of 28 pediatric flu deaths that have occurred in the state since officials began reporting these deaths during the 2008-2009 flu season. Flu season in Mississippi usually peaks between January and March, and the vaccine can take up to two weeks to provide immunity. 

The Health Department did not provide any further details about the circumstances of the death, citing privacy and respect for the family. Health officials continue to recommend annual immunization, and the department did not say whether the child who died had been immunized.

“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 in a press release. “We recommend everyone six months of age and older to get an updated flu vaccination.”

For those 18 and under, flu shots are covered by insurance, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP. Some children may be eligible for free vaccination under the Vaccines for Children Program at qualifying locations. 

Uninsured and underinsured adults who meet certain high-risk criteria qualify for an adult influenza vaccination at county health department clinics. The vaccine is available for insured adults through pharmacies, retailers and private physicians throughout the state.