NEW JERSEY — The New Jersey Department of Health has reported the state’s first confirmed pediatric flu-related death of the 2025–2026 season and is urging residents to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting vaccinated against influenza and other respiratory viruses.
“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,” said Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown. “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.”
Health officials said the child, who lived in the northern region of the state, was under 5 years old and had no known underlying medical conditions.
According to the department, influenza activity remains elevated statewide, with high numbers of people becoming ill and increased visits to doctors’ offices, emergency departments and hospitals.
Flu vaccination prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related health care visits each year and remains the most effective protection against influenza transmission, health officials said. The Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend flu vaccination for everyone ages 6 months and older.
Certain groups face a higher risk of serious complications from the flu, including children younger than 5 — especially those under 2 — adults 65 and older, people who are pregnant or who have given birth in the past two weeks, and individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease and diabetes. Vaccination is also encouraged for people who live with or care for those at higher risk, including health care workers and household contacts of infants younger than 6 months.
While flu vaccination is typically recommended earlier in the season, officials said it is not too late to get vaccinated. Flu activity often continues through the spring and can last into May. The vaccine begins working shortly after administration but takes about two weeks to provide full protection.
Vaccines are available at health care providers’ offices, pharmacies, federally qualified health centers and local health departments. The Department of Health also offers no- or low-cost vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program and the 317-Funded Adult Program for eligible residents. Officials recommend calling ahead to confirm availability and eligibility.
In addition to vaccination, the department urged residents to practice healthy habits such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, wearing masks in crowded indoor settings and staying home when ill.
Most people with the flu recover at home with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications. Health officials advise contacting a health care provider if symptoms are severe, worsen or if the patient is at high risk for complications. Antiviral medications are most effective when started early.
Emergency care should be sought immediately for symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, severe vomiting or symptoms that improve and then worsen with a higher fever or stronger cough. For children, warning signs include bluish skin, poor fluid intake or extreme sleepiness and difficulty waking.
The Department of Health also supports community initiatives to promote flu prevention, including the NJ Influenza Honor Roll and the NJ College & University Flu Challenge, which encourage institutions to increase awareness and vaccination rates across the state.
