A child has died from the flu in Connecticut, according to the state Department of Public Health. The child died earlier this week.

This is the first pediatric death involving a Connecticut child during this flu season, according to the department.

“Our hearts go out to the family of this child,” Department of Health Commissioner Raul Pino said in a statement.

In Connecticut, 12 flu-associated pediatric deaths have been reported from the 2005-2006 flu season through the 2017-2018 season.

“Only two of these cases (17%) had evidence of current flu vaccination,” Pino said in a statement.

He said it is important that all children be vaccinated for influenza, starting at 6 months old, since even children who appear healthy children can become very ill and die from the flu.

There have now been 30 flu-related deaths in Connecticut this season.