Health department reports child death from flu

Michigan’s first pediatric death from the flu this season was recently reported by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency.

The county in which the death occurred was not mentioned in a tri-county media release.

The state and local agencies are urging residents to get vaccinated, as the state experiences a high rate of influenza.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends anyone 6 months and older consider receiving an annual flu vaccine.

Seasonal flu activity generally begins in October and lasts through May.

Immunization clinics are held Mondays in Branch County and Thursdays in St. Joseph County.