Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian
A Kalamazoo County youngster is Michigan's first pediatric death related to the flu this season.
The child had Influenza A/H3, the type confirmed in most cases this season, says the state Department of Health and Human Services. Nationally, at least 16 influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported during the current flu season, the agency adds.
"Flu vaccine is a recommended childhood vaccine, and it is important to ensure that children are up to date with all of their vaccines," Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for MDHHS, said in a statement.
"Once children reach six months of age it is recommended they receive two doses of the flu vaccine for their first series. In addition, pregnant women should get the flu vaccine during each pregnancy. Flu vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine."
