Three kids in the Bay State have died from the flu in recent weeks as influenza cases spike, according to health officials who are pleading with residents to get vaccinated.

The flu has already been tied to the deaths of three pediatric patients in Massachusetts, the Department of Public Health reported on Monday.

Also, 29 adult influenza deaths have been reported so far this season.

Many residents are experiencing serious complications, leading to increased visits to urgent care centers and emergency departments, and high levels of hospitalization.

While COVID-19 and RSV rates remain low, cases of both illnesses are beginning to rise. DPH is reviewing two possible COVID-19-associated deaths and one RSV-associated death in individuals under 18 years old.

“This is a moment for clarity, urgency, and action,” Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said in a statement. “These viruses are serious, dangerous, and life-threatening. We are seeing children who are seriously ill, families grieving devastating losses, and hospitals under capacity strain.

“There is a simple, effective, and available way to address these concerns: vaccines,” Goldstein added. “They can prevent serious illness and hospitalization. And they save lives. If you have not yet been vaccinated against flu or COVID-19 this season, now is the time. It is not too late. Choosing vaccination is choosing to protect yourself, your family, your friends, your colleagues, and your community.”

Hospitals across Massachusetts are continuing to see high numbers of patients seeking care for respiratory illness.

Each day last week, there were nearly 9,000 emergency department visits statewide — with about 25% of those related to acute respiratory illness, including flu, COVID-19, and RSV.

Some regions in the state reported challenging hospital capacity levels exceeding 90% in medical-surgical units, largely related to influenza.

DPH urges everyone 6 months-plus to stay up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. These annual shots can be given at the same visit and are available from local boards of health, community health centers, pharmacies, and many health care providers.

Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of severe disease — including adults age 65 years and older, children between 6 months and 2 years, people with chronic respiratory conditions or heart disease, individuals who are immunocompromised, and people who are pregnant.

Vaccination also helps protect family members, coworkers, and others in the community who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.

For RSV, one-time immunization is recommended for adults 75-plus, those aged 50-74 who have conditions that put them at increased risk, and people who are pregnant.

For infants and children, parents should talk with their child’s health care provider about RSV immunization. It’s recommended that infants younger than 8 months be immunized if the birth parent did not receive the RSV shot during pregnancy. Children between 8 and 19 months who are at increased risk because of certain pulmonary or immune system disorders should also be immunized.

In Massachusetts, vaccines are covered by insurance and are available at no cost for almost all adults. All vaccines for individuals younger than 18 are supplied free of charge to health care providers through the state’s universal childhood immunization program.

For those who begin to experience flu symptoms – high fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, extreme fatigue, cough, sore throat, and congestion – antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), are available by prescription.

When started early, these medications can significantly reduce the severity of illness. Parents are encouraged to seek medical advice if they or their children develop flu-like symptoms.

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