Overview
- The Kentucky Department for Public Health said the child had not received this season’s flu vaccine.
- State surveillance reports increasing influenza activity, with emergency visits and hospitalizations for children under 5 higher than a year ago.
- Health leaders describe the flu shot as safe, effective and widely available, recommending it for everyone six months and older.
- Officials say flu and COVID-19 vaccinations can be given during the same visit, alongside guidance on handwashing, covering coughs and staying home when sick.
- Local doctors are monitoring circulation of a subclade K strain, while CDC projections anticipate a substantial national flu burden and note lagging vaccination rates.