Vaccinated 6-year-old boy dies of flu

A six-year-old boy has died from the flu, the Health Ministry reports.

The boy, who had no underlying health conditions and was vaccinated against the flu, began suffering from fever and a severe cough several days ago. His condition then deteriorated, and he died despite resuscitation efforts, the ministry says.

The ministry says that this year’s flu season began early in Israel and other countries. From monitoring worldwide data, it is expected to be a season with severe morbidity.

The ministry emphasizes that although the flu vaccine does not completely prevent infection with the disease, it helps alleviate its severity and significantly reduces the risk of serious illness or death. The vaccine is available and provided free of charge at all healthcare providers.

Last week an otherwise healthy 10-year-old girl who was not vaccinated against the flu died of the disease.