A child in New Jersey died from the flu, marking the state’s first pediatric flu death of the 2025-2026 season, health officials announced on Friday, Jan. 9.
The New Jersey Department of Health did not identify the child but said they were under the age of 5 and lived in North Jersey.
“This flu season is already shaping up to be a very serious one, with more cases than previous years and, tragically, one child’s death this week. We extend our deepest condolences to the child’s family,” Acting New Jersey Health Commissioner Jeff Brown said. “By getting vaccinated, we can each do our part in reducing the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses in New Jersey and helping prevent serious complications.”
Flu cases have surged this season across the country with doctor visits for flu-like symptoms reaching the highest level in 30 years, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
The 2025-26 flu season, which is just getting started, follows the deadliest season for children since the CDC began tracking pediatric deaths. On Monday, the CDC reported an additional death of a child last season, bringing the total to 289, eclipsing even the number of pediatric deaths from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.
It’s too soon to know how harsh this season will be for children, although under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s guidance, the U.S. is no longer recommending that all children get annual flu shots.
On Monday, the Department of Health and Human Services announced a major overhaul of the childhood vaccination schedule. Effective immediately, the administration said, the flu vaccine will be taken off of the official childhood vaccine schedule.
As of Wednesday, Jan. 7, the CDC’s website still stated: “Everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions, should get a flu vaccine.”
Where to get the flu vaccine
Flu vaccination is available at health care provider offices, pharmacies, federally qualified health centers and local health departments.
Aside from vaccination, health experts recommend the following actions to help prevent the flu:
Wash hands frequently
Cover coughs and sneezes
Avoid close contact with sick people
Wear a mask in crowded indoor settings
Stay home when sick in order to prevent spreading respiratory illnesses
Who is most at risk with the flu?
Adults 65 years of age or older, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions are most at risk with the flu.
Most people with the flu recover at home with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications. If your symptoms get worse or you’re part of the high-risk group, contact your health provider.
Those who are sick should seek immediate emergency care if they are vomiting severely, have trouble breathing, constant chest pain, confusion, or start to feel better but then get worse again with a higher fever or stronger cough.
Children should also get emergency care if their skin looks bluish, they are not drinking enough fluids or are very sleepy and hard to wake.