The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has reported the first confirmed pediatric death from influenza in the state during the 2025-2026 flu season. Officials are urging residents to get vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as these vaccines remain the most effective way to prevent severe respiratory illness.
“This flu season is already shaping up to be very severe, with more cases than in previous years and, tragically, the death of a child this week. We send our deepest condolences to the child’s family,” said Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown. “By getting vaccinated, each of us can do our part to reduce the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses in New Jersey and help prevent serious complications.”
The child who died was from northern New Jersey, under five years old, and had no known underlying health conditions.
State health officials note that both overall flu cases and hospitalizations continue at high levels this season. Vaccination remains critical; according to NJDOH and the American Academy of Pediatrics, everyone aged six months or older should receive a flu vaccine. Groups at higher risk for serious complications include young children—especially those under two years old—adults over 65, pregnant individuals or those who recently gave birth, and people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.
Vaccination is also important for those living with or caring for individuals at greater risk. This includes healthcare workers and household contacts of infants younger than six months.
While early vaccination is ideal, officials stress that it is not too late to get protected since flu activity can extend into spring and sometimes last until May. The vaccine begins working soon after administration but takes about two weeks for maximum protection.
Flu vaccines are available through healthcare providers’ offices, pharmacies, federally qualified health centers, and local health departments across New Jersey. The state offers free or low-cost vaccines through its Vaccines for Children (VFC) program for eligible children under 18—including those uninsured or underinsured—and its Section 317-funded Adult Program for eligible adults without adequate insurance coverage.
Beyond vaccination, NJDOH encourages preventive behaviors like frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, wearing masks indoors when appropriate, and staying home when ill to limit transmission within communities.
Most people recover from influenza at home with rest and over-the-counter medication. Those experiencing severe symptoms—or who belong to high-risk groups—should contact their healthcare provider promptly; antiviral medications are most effective when started early.
Immediate emergency care should be sought if an individual experiences trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, confusion, intense vomiting, or worsening symptoms after initial improvement—especially among children showing bluish skin tone or extreme lethargy.
NJDOH supports community initiatives such as the New Jersey Influenza Honor Roll—which recognizes organizations promoting awareness—and the NJ College & University Flu Challenge that encourages higher education institutions to boost student vaccination rates through friendly competition.
For additional information on respiratory diseases in New Jersey—including data reports and resources on staying healthy during flu season—visit nj.gov/health/respiratory-viruses/data-and-reports , access their Respiratory Illness Dashboard at nj.gov/health/respiratory-viruses/data-and-reports/#respiratory-illness-dashboard , review guidance on their dedicated flu page nj.gov/health/cd/topics/flu.shtml , or see basic tips here: nj.gov/health/respiratory-viruses/documents/flu/flu-basics-eng.pdf .
