On Jan. 6, 2026, the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is informing residents that flu has been associated with the deaths of two children under two years of age in Boston. These are the first reported flu deaths in children in Boston since 2013.

One death was referenced in yesterday’s press release from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the second was confirmed overnight, bringing the state total to four pediatric flu-related deaths. As Boston continues to experience a surge in flu cases, BPHC is urging residents to get vaccinated and take preventative measures to protect against severe illness. 

From December 14 to December 27, in Boston there was a 126% increase in confirmed flu cases, and hospitalizations almost tripled. Flu-related emergency department visits also increased 135%in that same time period. The majority of those hospitalized are adults over 65, but hospitalizations among children under the age of five increased 150% in the last two weeks and are double what they were at this time last season. 

BPHC encourages all residents over six months of age to get their annual flu vaccine to protect themselves and their families. Vaccines are highly effective at lowering the risk of severe illness and hospitalization from the flu and are essential for keeping families and communities safe this winter.

Individuals at high risk of complications from respiratory infections, including people under two or over 65 years of age, pregnant people, immunocompromised individuals and people with chronic illnesses, should seek medical care if they develop flu-like symptoms or are exposed to a person with flu; early testing and antiviral treatment of flu and COVID-19 can prevent severe illness and hospitalization.