FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear encouraged Kentuckians on Monday to get vaccinated against the flu as he reported six new, flu-related pediatric deaths, including three in the past week.

What You Need To Know

  •  The toll for pediatric flu-related deaths this year matches a record high established in 2019-2020

  •  None of the children who died from the current influenza season had received a flu shot

  •  Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Department for Public Health, said that fewer than 40% of Kentucky children have received their flu shot this season

  • Health officials are strongly encouraging Kentuckians to get a flu vaccination

This toll already meets the prior record for the highest number of pediatric influenza deaths ever reported in Kentucky in a single flu season. The prior record was established during the 2019-2020 flu season, when six children died of influenza.

None of the children who died in the current influenza season had received a flu shot, according to the Department for Public Health.

“This is a milestone we did not want to cross, and our prayers are with each of these families as they mourn the loss of their loved one,” said Beshear. “We are urging our families to get vaccinated as soon as possible to get protected from contracting the flu and COVID.”

“This current flu season is on track to be the worst in Kentucky in at least 10 years,” said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Department for Public Health. “The flu vaccine is the single best way to protect you and your loved ones against the flu and reduces the risk of becoming dangerously ill or spreading disease.

Stack said that fewer than 40% of Kentucky children have received their flu shot this season.

Kentucky currently is reporting 29,341 laboratory-confirmed cases of flu, with the state flu activity level classified as “widespread” for the ninth consecutive week. Most reported cases of influenza have occurred in children. The most current weekly report is available online.

Health officials are strongly encouraging Kentuckians to get a flu vaccination. The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months older get the annual flu vaccine, especially children who are younger than 5 and people of any age who have a high-risk medical condition, because of their increased risk of developing complications that can lead to hospitalization or death.

Flu vaccines are widely available through health care providers and pharmacies. You can get a vaccination any time during the flu season and at the same time as COVID-19 vaccine or booster doses.

Health officials also encourage good health habits to prevent the transmission of flu and other respiratory illnesses. These include washing hands often with soap and warm water, wearing a well-fitting mask when in indoor public places, and staying at home from work or school when sick.

More information on influenza is available here.

Related Stories