New York State Department of Health Encourages New Yorkers to Get Flu Vaccine to Prevent Influenza-Associated Pediatric Deaths

Seasonal Influenza Is More Dangerous Than the Common Cold for Children

ALBANY, N.Y. (November 24, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health is urging eligible New Yorkers, including children and adolescents, to get the 2025-2026 seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine. During the 2024-2025 influenza season, NYS reported 27 pediatric influenza-associated deaths, the most the Department has ever recorded in a single flu season. Each year, flu places a large burden on the health and well-being of children and families, and vaccination remains the best protection against serious illness.

The Department strongly recommends everyone ages 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. The vaccine is readily available at pharmacies and health care providers across the state.

The seasonal flu vaccine is not approved for use in children younger than 6 months old, yet infants in this age group face a higher risk of severe complications from the flu. The best way to protect them is to make sure all members of their household and their caregivers are vaccinated.

"Last year's flu season, we lost 27 of our children to the flu, more than any year in our memory," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said." We are already seeing a significant increase in cases of flu throughout the state. The flu vaccine is the best protection for children, keep in mind, infants less than 6 months are vulnerable and not able to be immunized, so very important all of those around them are up to date with the vaccine."

New York State Data:

  • 2024-2025 Season, 27 deaths in children younger than 18 years were reported:

    • o 78% were unvaccinated

    o 19% were ineligible for vaccination

    o 4% were vaccinated

The seasonal flu vaccine remains the best protection against hospitalization, serious illness, and death from the flu. The flu vaccine remains available to New Yorkers ages 2 and older at a health care provider's office or at participating pharmacies without a prescription. Children 6 months and older can receive the flu vaccine at a health care provider's office. More information about the flu vaccine is available here.

Information about vaccine safety can be found here.