A second unvaccinated child in Florida has died from the flu this season, according to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH).
In week 46, a child, who did not get a flu shot, died. The FDOH says that the child had underlying medical conditions. The report from the FDOH does not state where in Florida the death occurred.
Related: First child death from the flu reported in Florida in2018-19season, Department of Health confirms
This is the second influenza-associated pediatric death reported in the state for the 2018-19 season. In October, the first child flu-related death in the state was reported.
FDOH receives reports of influenza-associated pediatric deaths each season. Most deaths are
reported in unvaccinated children and children with underlying medical conditions. Children, especially those with certain health conditions are at increased risk of severe complications from influenza infection.
Influenza vaccination has been shown to reduce a child’s likelihood of dying from influenza by up to 60%.
