Boston Health Officials Urge Residents To Get Flu Shots As Cases Surge And Two Young Children Die
Written by b87fm on 01/07/2026
Boston Health Officials Urge Residents To Get Flu Shots As Cases Surge And Two Young Children Die
The Boston Public Health Commission is sounding the alarm: the flu is surging across the city, and the impact is turning deadly. Two Boston children under the age of two have died from flu-related complications — the first pediatric flu deaths in the city since 2013 — and health officials are urging Boston residents to take this threat seriously, get vaccinated, and protect vulnerable family members.
According to BPHC, Boston has seen a sharp and troubling spike in flu cases. From December 14 to December 27, confirmed flu cases jumped by 126%. Hospitalizations nearly tripled. Emergency room visits tied to flu symptoms increased by 135%. Older adults are being hospitalized most frequently, but the largest concern right now is young children. Hospitalizations among kids under five have doubled compared to this time last flu season and are up 150% in just the past two weeks.
“Flu cases are surging in Boston, and we are seeing an uptick in serious cases involving children, including the tragic deaths of two very young children,” said Dr.
Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. She warned parents not to underestimate the virus:
“While the flu is usually mild, it can cause hospitalization and death… Parents should get their children ages six months and older vaccinated as soon as possible.”
She added that parents should immediately seek medical care if a child with flu symptoms has difficulty breathing, significantly reduced urination, persistent high fever, becomes extremely lethargic, or is difficult to wake.
BPHC is urging everyone in Boston six months and older to get the annual flu vaccine, calling it one of the best tools to prevent severe illness and hospitalization. To help make that easier, the city has multiple free flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics scheduled throughout January, with more being added. No insurance, ID, or appointment is required, although residents with insurance are encouraged to bring their card. Details on locations and dates are available at boston.gov/vaccine-clinics.
Since September, Boston has already hosted 27 free vaccine clinics in partnership with Boston Public Schools, Boston Centers for Youth & Families, and local community organizations, bringing vaccination access directly into neighborhoods across the city. On top of city-run clinics, residents can also contact their primary care provider, community health center, or neighborhood pharmacy, or search available vaccination locations at vaccinefinder.org. Anyone needing help obtaining health insurance can contact the Mayor’s Health Line at (617) 534-5050 — a free, confidential service available regardless of immigration status.
Boston health officials are now closely coordinating with state leaders, hospitals, early childhood centers, and Boston Public Schools to track trends, support caregivers, and identify clusters of illness early. Special attention is being placed on early childcare providers citywide so they can quickly recognize serious symptoms in young children and reduce spread in classrooms and daycare environments.
Residents are being urged to take simple but powerful steps: wash hands frequently, improve airflow indoors, stay home when sick, and consider masking in crowded indoor settings — especially while respiratory illnesses like flu and COVID-19 are circulating heavily. BPHC specifically encourages masking for added protection during seasonal surges.
Those at high risk — including children under two, adults over 65, pregnant people, immunocompromised residents, and anyone with chronic health conditions — should seek medical care quickly if they develop flu symptoms or have been exposed. Early testing and antiviral treatment can be the difference between recovery and a medical emergency.
For Boston residents, the message is clear: the flu is not just “a bad cold season.” It is real, it is here, and it is hitting families hard. Getting vaccinated, staying vigilant, and protecting each other now could prevent more tragedy later this winter.
