HARTFORD, Conn. — An infant and a Connecticut resident in their 90s were the first confirmed cases of succumbing to influenza (flu) in the state, health officials announced Wednesday.
Officials announced that the adult in their 90s died in September from the flu, and a 2-month-old who had the flu died earlier this month.
Now, state leaders are encouraging residents to get vaccinated against the flu, as well as consider vaccines for COVID-19 and RSV as the colder weather approaches.
"It's a way to keep yourself safe, your family, and our communities safe, because they can help reduce the risk of getting sick," Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said during a press conference Wednesday.
DPH recommends everyone six months or older to get an annual flu vaccine by the end of October of possible, as well as an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Adults 60 and older as well as pregnant people are eligible to receive an RSV vaccine. Infants younger than 8 months who are born during or are entering RSV season can get Nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody.
"A two-month-old is not eligible for a vaccine," Dept. of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, said at Wednesday's press conference. "So what is my ask, particularly of the older people in our community? Please get your flu shot, your COVID shot. It's going to protect not only you but those little kids, those newborns in your family."
State officials also reported that between 15-20 people died of COVID-19 every week of September in Connecticut.
Leah Myers is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at lmyers@fox61.com
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