HARTFORD, Conn. — The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) today announced the first influenza-related deaths of the 2026-27 respiratory viral season. Six Connecticut residents have died from influenza since late September. All were adults aged 55 and older.
The deaths occurred across three reporting weeks:
- Week ending September 26: 1 influenza death
- Week ending October 17: 3 influenza deaths
- Week ending October 24: 2 influenza deaths
The first death this season occurred a month earlier compared to last year, when the first influenza death was reported the week of October 25. Since September, there have been nine COVID-19 related deaths and no RSV deaths. View more flu data at the state's respiratory viral disease dashboard.
"Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the people that have been lost. These deaths are a sobering reminder that flu can be serious, especially for older adults, and that respiratory virus season is already here," said Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D. "The good news is that there is a safe and effective tool to help prevent severe illness. If you have not yet gotten your flu vaccine, now is the time to consider doing so. It takes about two weeks for the body to build protection, and getting vaccinated now will help provide protection for the holiday season when people gather indoors."
Adults aged 65 and older, infants and young children, pregnant people, and people with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious complications from flu. Vaccination also helps protect people who cannot be vaccinated themselves by limiting the spread of the virus in our communities.
CT DPH Vaccine Recommendations for the 2026-27 Season
CT DPH's recommendations are aligned with evidence and guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):
- Flu vaccine: an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.
- COVID-19 vaccine: COVID-19 vaccination for children under two years old and for people in high-risk populations. Everyone else is encouraged to talk with their healthcare provider about which seasonal vaccinations are right for them.
- RSV vaccine: RSV immunizations to protect infants either by vaccination of pregnant patients during week 32-26 or pregnancy starting September 1 through the end of RSV season or administration of monoclonal antibodies to babies entering or born during RSV season. DPH recommends RSV vaccination for people ages 60-74 at high risk and everyone ages 75 and older, who have not received an RSV vaccine before.
Steps Residents Can Take Now
- Get your flu vaccine. It is not too late, and it is the best protection against severe flu illness.
- Talk with your healthcare provider about whether COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are right for you or your family.
- Stay home when you are sick, wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and clean frequently touched surfaces.
- Call your healthcare provider early if you are at higher risk and develop flu symptoms. Antiviral medications work best when started soon after symptoms begin.
Where to Get Vaccinated
CT DPH and the CT Immunization Coalition have partnered with local health departments and Federally Qualified Health Centers to publish a statewide list of flu clinics, including clinic dates and homebound services.
- Find a flu clinic near you.
- Pharmacy locations are also searchable at vaccinefinder.org and easyvax.com.
- This season, CT DPH is providing flu vaccine for uninsured and underinsured adults through the Connecticut Vaccines for Adults (CVFA) program. Check participating sites and contact the facility about eligibility and appointments.
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