An eighth Massachusetts child has died from the flu this season, state data shows. As of February 28, eight children and 298 adults in Massachusetts have succumbed to influenza, according to the state’s influenza database.
The most recent pediatric flu death occurred between February 15 and February 21. The first two pediatric deaths were reported during the week of December 21 to December 25, followed by three additional child fatalities the following week.
Although the flu season is nearing its end, infectious disease experts continue to urge the public to get vaccinated. “We as infectious disease physicians still believe that everybody six months and older should get the flu shot,” said Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, senior physician in the division of infectious diseases at Mass General Brigham, in an interview with Boston.com in January.
As of February 28, 38.1 percent of Massachusetts residents had received this season’s flu vaccine, according to data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health vaccine database.
During the last week of February, flu severity remained low, while flu-like activity was considered moderate statewide. Specifically, during the week of February 28, flu activity in Boston was reported as low, according to the state’s Department of Public Health flu chart.
https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2026/03/09/8-children-have-now-died-from-flu-in-mass-this-season/