Staff report
The Mississippi State Department of Health has confirmed the first pediatric influenza death in
Mississippi for the 2024-2025 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. The patient in this case had not received a flu vaccine for this season.
Including this death, there have been a total of 27 pediatric flu deaths reported in Mississippi since
pediatric flu deaths became reportable in the 2008-2009 flu season.
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 are also accepted for children’s flu shots. A list of all VFC providers can be
found at www.msdh.ms.gov/vfc.
Adults who are underinsured or uninsured and who meet certain high-risk criteria qualify for an adult flu
vaccination at MSDH county health department clinics. Flu shots for insured adults are widely available
through private physicians, pharmacies, and retail centers.
Other things you can do to reduce the spread of flu 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.