Flu season is in high gear, killing two children in as many weeks as the virus ramps up its march across New York State.

A 7-month-old and an asthmatic 7-year-old from upstate have died in the past two weeks – the first pediatric deaths from flu this season, state health officials said. Babies, the elderly and people with chronic diseases, including asthma, are at increased risk of complications from the flu.

“We’re really going into the heart of the flu season,” said state Health Commissioner Richard Daines. “This should be a wakeup call to a lot of people to get their children vaccinated.”

New Yorkers can call the city at 311 or the state’s free vaccine for children program at (800) 543-7468.

(Source: NY Daily News)