Photo: Courtesy of Mass. Department of Public Health
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Massachusetts Department of Health confirmed a fourth child has died from the flu on Tuesday.
Two of those deaths are children under the age of two in Boston. In total, there have been 30 influenza deaths in Massachusetts.
This comes as the state is currently under “very high” flu-like activity levels, with reported flu cases jumping to from 7.63% last week to 11.85% this week.
The city reported a 126% increase in confirmed flu cases between Dec. 14 and Dec. 17. and a 135% increase in flu-related emergency room visits.
According to Public Health Commissioner Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, children under the age of two are at higher risk of contracting the virus, urging children six months and older to get vaccinated to decrease their risk of severe complications.
Read more: Connecting Residents With Vaccines In Somerville
There are four upcoming free clinics offering vaccines this month:
- Jan. 7 at Boston City Hall, Room 801
- Jan. 10 at Josephine A. Fiorentino Community Center
- Jan. 14 at BCYF Hyde Park Community Center
- Jan. 15 at BCYF Perkins Community Center
No appointment needed and proof of insurance is not required.