From December 14 to December 27, in Boston there was a 126% increase in confirmed flu cases, and hospitalizations almost tripled. Flu-related emergency department visits also increased 135% in that same time period. The majority of those hospitalized are adults over 65, but hospitalizations among children under the age of five increased 150% in the last two weeks and are double what they were at this time last season.

BPHC encourages all residents over six months of age to get their annual flu vaccine to protect themselves and their families

BPHC has four free flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics planned for the month of January and are scheduling more. These clinics offer free vaccines to everyone age six months and older. No appointment is needed. Insurance and identification are not required, but those with a health insurance card should bring it with them. More information about upcoming free vaccine clinics can be found boston.gov/vaccine-clinics.

Those looking for nearby vaccination providers can also use www.vaccinefinder.org. Residents who need help applying for health insurance can contact the Mayor’s Health Line at (617) 534-5050. The Mayor’s Health Line is a free, confidential, and multilingual service that can help families, regardless of immigration status, find routine care.

As cases of the flu continue to increase, especially among children, the Boston Public Health Commission is working with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the City of Boston, Boston Public Schools, and local hospitals and healthcare providers to track cases and provide guidance. BPHC and the City’s Office of Early Childhood are working to convene early childcare providers from across the city to ensure providers can recognize signs of severe illness and have strategies and resources to help mitigate the spread of flu. BPHC and Boston Public Schools are monitoring clusters of respiratory illness among students and working in partnership to promote vaccination for students and families.

Individuals at high risk of complications from respiratory infections, including people under two or over 65 years of age, pregnant people, immunocompromised individuals and people with chronic illnesses, should seek medical care if they develop flu-like symptoms or are exposed to a person with flu; early testing and antiviral treatment of flu and COVID-19 can prevent severe illness and hospitalization.