Flu Claims The Life Of 4-Year-Old Dallas Child

DALLAS, TX -- Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) has reported the first pediatric flu-related death in Dallas County for the 2018-2019 season. The patient was 4-years-old and lived in Garland, DCHHS said in a news release. This is the seventh flu-related death in Dallas County this season.

“We cannot predict the intensity, severity or duration of the flu season from year to year,” Christopher Perkins, DCHHS health authority and medical director, said in the release. “The best way to protect yourself and others is to get your seasonal flu shot.”

The child was identified as Ashanti Grinage by Fox 11.

It is not too late to receive the flu vaccine. DCHHS recently announced free flu vaccines for children at all six immunizations clinic locations. DCHHS is offering free vaccines to adults and seniors at the following clinic locations while supplies last:

• Main DCHHS Building 2377 North Stemmons Freeway, First Floor, Dallas, Texas 75207
• February 7, 2019 (Thursday) at Paul Quinn College-3738 Simpson Stuart Rd, Dallas, TX 75241
• February 8, 2019 (Friday) from 10 am to 12 pm at NTX Fest Fair Park Briscoe-Carpenter Livestock Center, Dallas, TX
• February 15, 2019 (Friday) from 10 am to 12 pm at Pleasant Grove Library-7310 Lake June Rd, Dallas, TX 75217

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for all persons aged 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. Individuals should discuss flu vaccine concerns with a health care provider. The flu vaccine DCHHS provides is an all-in-one shot that protects against multiple flu strains including the H1N1 virus. The adult flu vaccine is given in the adult immunization clinic on the first floor at the DCHHS building located at 2377 N. Stemmons Frwy in Dallas. The children’s vaccine is available at all DCHHS immunization clinics. Clinic hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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