US EditionParents urged to act as flu hospitalizations and child deaths rise in Mass.
Massachusetts health officials report a 126% rise in flu cases and urge vaccination as pediatric deaths reach four amid a more aggressive H3N2 flu variant surge.
- On Monday, Massachusetts health officials reported a fourth pediatric flu-related death statewide, including two children under the age of two in Boston.
- Health officials say the surge is linked to H3N2, subtype K and Boston vaccination rate 32.5%, with Bisola Ojikutu noting low flu shot coverage this year.
- Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness among children under 5 increased 225% and confirmed cases rose 142% in Boston between Dec. 14 and Dec. 27, 2025.
- The Boston Public Health Commission urged residents six months and older to get vaccinated and announced four free vaccine clinics in January, while the Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a standing order last month authorizing local boards to vaccinate.
- State officials cautioned that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will no longer recommend several childhood vaccines, and Dr. Vandana Madhavan said, `When people start questioning one vaccine, they are going to question more.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Boston Herald
union-bulletin.comMassachusetts deaths from flu rises to four children, with two Boston deaths under two years old
Boston reported two children have died related to the flu this season Tuesday, the first pediatric flu-associated deaths in the city since 2013, bringing total related deaths Massachusetts children up to four.
Massachusetts flu season claims 33 lives, including 4 children
Massachusetts is experiencing a severe flu season, with four pediatric flu-related deaths and 29 adult flu-related deaths, prompting state health officials to urge parents to vaccinate their children and practice good hygiene.
As cases rise, flu-related illness claims lives of two Boston children
TWO BOSTON CHILDREN under the age of two have died from flu-related illness, marking the city’s first pediatric influenza deaths since 2013 and raising alarms as flu cases surge and vaccination rates remain low. One of the deaths was reported by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health earlier this week, while the second was confirmed overnight, bringing the statewide total of pediatric flu-related deaths this season to four. “This is obvio…
Parents urged to act as flu hospitalizations and child deaths rise in Mass.
A severe flu surge has been blamed for four child deaths in Massachusetts, including two in Boston; experts point to a poor vaccine match and low vaccination rates. Dr. Todd Ellerin, chief of infectious diseases at South Shore Hospital, answers questions.
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