Flu shot now mandatory, says DOH

As of Wednesday, December 31, children aged six to 59 months are required to receive a flu shot, according to the New York City Department of Health.

This new rule, officials said, was designed to address the increased risk for flu facing children under five years old in group settings such as licensed child care centers or preschools.

During the 2013-2014 flu season, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported 109 pediatric related deaths across the United States due to complications from the flu. As of December 2014, seven deaths had been reported nationwide for the 2014-2015 flu season.