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Public Health Commissioner: More Than 6K People Got Flu Shots Saturday

BOSTON (CBS/AP) — Boston's public health commissioner says more than 6,000 people got flu shots at nearly two dozen free clinics across the city, after officials announced that a child under 6 died after being diagnosed with the flu.

FIGHTING THE FLU: Free Clinics List  |  What You Need To Know  |  Find A Clinic Near You

Dr. Barbara Ferrer says there were long lines at the clinics Saturday.

More free clinics are scheduled for Sunday and the upcoming week.

Ferrer announced the child's death on Friday, but it hasn't been confirmed whether the flu was the cause of death. Many parents say news of the child's death prompted them to get their children vaccinated Saturday.

Boston has declared a public health emergency because of the flu. State health officials have reported about 6,000 confirmed flu cases in the state and 18 flu-related deaths, all in adults.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

 

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