Health experts are encouraging Hoosiers to get their flu vaccination after Indiana recorded the first flu related death of the season on Friday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older, pregnant women, people age 65 and older, and people with certain chronic medical conditions.

State health officials are urging Hoosiers to get a flu shot this fall. The recommendation is an effort to keep flu numbers low during the coronavirus pandemic.

State Health Commissioner Kris Box says the flu season is well underway and she expects it will likely get worse in coming weeks.

Five cases were people age 65 years or older. ISDH says children under five, adults over 65 and people with chronic diseases like asthma or diabetes are at a higher risk.

A federal program is letting some Hoosier children get a flu shot for free, along with their regular school vaccinations.

The Marion County Public Health Department has reported the first flu-related death of the season.

Indiana received low marks for not being accredited, and for having low flu vaccination rates.

This year's vaccine is changed to make it more effective and accessible.

The State Department of Health says 25 flu-related deaths had been recorded statewide by Dec. 30 during the current flu season.