Wisconsin health officials reported Thursday that two children in the state have died from respiratory illnesses this

season. One child, from Northeast Wisconsin, died from influenza, while the other, from western Wisconsin, died from

COVID-19. Both deaths occurred in the past month.

During a news conference, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) did not release the children's ages.

Officials are currently working to determine whether the children had been vaccinated. DHS noted that both children had

underlying health conditions that increased their risk.

The DHS is urging everyone, especially young children, older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, and

pregnant women, to get vaccinated against the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Children as young as six months old are eligible

for these vaccinations.

Tom Haupt, a DHS Respiratory Disease Epidemiologist, emphasized the importance of vaccination. "We really do want people

to consider that these tragedies can happen, and the best way to prevent these things is, obviously, to get vaccinated

as quickly as possible," Haupt said. He also encouraged people to get vaccinated for both COVID and influenza,

especially with the upcoming holidays and gatherings. "It's not too late, and it's a safe vaccine, and it's still in

plentiful supply."

Haupt expressed concern over the current COVID and flu vaccination rates for children in Wisconsin, stating that they

are "very low" and need to increase significantly. He noted that the numbers are "kind of disappointing."

Across all age groups in Wisconsin, the current flu vaccination rate is only 28%, and the COVID vaccination rate is just

10.6%.

To schedule a vaccine, individuals can contact their healthcare provider or click the provided link.

Haupt also stressed the severity of influenza, not only in its acute stage but also in its potential long-term effects.

"Influenza can lead to further cardiac problems for both children and adults. It can lead to encephalitis... It's what

can happen later on. Protecting yourself and protecting those people around you," he said.

The DHS recommends that Wisconsinites take daily actions to help stop the spread of germs and increase protection

against respiratory viruses.