2 children die of the flu in New York City

NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - The New York City Health Department has confirmed that two children's deaths are influenza-related.

In the most recent case, a 911 call was placed in Queens early Monday morning about an unconscious 8-year-old girl. When officers arrived they found the father administering CPR to the girl, later identified as Amely Baez.

EMS rushed her to Elmhurst Hospital but it was too late. The Medical Examiner says her death would be classified as natural.

Earlier in the day, health officials had confirmed its first pediatric death of the flu season. It did not release details around the first case but encouraged people to get flu shots.

In a statement, it said: "The tragic death of a child due to the flu is a reminder of the devastating effects this illness can have on people of all ages. The influenza season is far from over, and it is not too late to get the flu shot. We urge parents to protect themselves and their families by getting this potentially life-saving vaccine today."

Flu vaccines are available for children as young as two years old.

People with a compromised immune system, children, pregnant women and those aged 65 and older who develop influenza-like symptoms should seek medical care as early as possible.

For more information about where to get vaccinated, New Yorkers can call 311, visit nyc.gov/flu, or text “flu” to 877877.”

There have been more than 36,000 confirmed flu cases in New York State in the past two months and more than 9,000 hospitalizations.

Last flu season, there were 106 influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported nationally, including six in New York City.