- Updated: Mar. 07, 2026, 6:44 p.m.
- Published: Mar. 07, 2026, 11:06 a.m.
Another child under 5 years old has died from the flu, state health officials confirmed, marking the third pediatric death attributed to the respiratory virus this season.
The child, from the northern region of the state, had other medical conditions, according to a spokesperson for the state Department of Health.
The death comes as the number of influenza cases, ER visits, outpatient visits and positive tests have been decreasing.
Hospitalizations continue to be predominantly among persons 65 years of age and older, data shows.
Influenza B is now the predominant circulating virus, according to the Department of Health’s latest respiratory illness surveillance report. Officials said Influenza A activity is continuing to decrease and is consistent with downward trends being observed in many parts of the country.
The first such flu-related death in the state this season was reported in January. That child, also from North Jersey, had no known medical issues, officials said.
Last season, New Jersey had five pediatric flu deaths, up from two deaths the previous year, according to state data.
Health officials urged people earlier this year to get their flu shots, saying that it’s not too late to protect themselves.
Last month the Department of Health — noting the continuing efforts to grapple with high flu activity this winter — issued a new standing order authorizing pharmacists in New Jersey to dispense FDA-authorized over-the-counter COVID-19 and influenza at-home test kits without a prescription.
“During this season of frigid temperatures and high flu activity, we must use every tool available to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses,” said Acting Commissioner Raynard E. Washington. “At-home testing can lead to faster diagnosis, helping to prevent further spread and allowing the opportunity for treatment.”
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 280 pediatric deaths were reported during the 2024-2025 influenza season. The median age at death was 7 years, and 56% of children who died had at least one underlying medical condition. Among the 208 children with available data who were vaccine eligible, 89% were not fully vaccinated.
While vaccines may not be able to fully protect everyone, public health experts argue they’re still proven to help prevent serious illness and death.
In the average flu season, vaccines have a 40-60% efficacy in reducing the incidence of severe illness, according to the CDC.
Early estimates of the 2025-2026 flu vaccine’s effectiveness show the shot is 70-75% effective for children and 30-40% for adults.
Flu vaccines are available for use in people aged 6 months and older. They’re offered at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, community health clinics, health departments and other community locations.
Visit the CDC website for additional help finding vaccines in your area.
NJ.com staff writer Jackie Roman contributed to this report.
Victoria Gladstone is a news reporter who covers a variety of criminal justice issues for NJ.com. As an early career reporter, she won a First Year Journalist award for her portfolio by the New Jersey Press...
