Second child dies from the flu

by Lorna Benson, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Minnesota has recorded its second pediatric influenza-related death this season. The Minnesota Department of Health says a 5-year-old girl from the greater Twin Cities metro area died this week shortly after receiving a flu shot.

Immunizations expert Kris Ehresmann said the girl received her flu vaccination on March 4th.

"She was healthy. She didn't have any underlying health conditions and had a history of being vaccinated," Ehresmann said. "Although she was vaccinated while she was already ill and infected. So likely that obviously didn't provide any protection."

The child who died earlier was a 12-year-old who hadn't been vaccinated.

Ehresmann said flu shots are still available. The flu season typically runs through the end of April.