WHITE PLAINS – The first influenza-associated pediatric death in Westchester this year was confirmed Tuesday by the Westchester County Department of Health. 

A four-year-old New Rochelle boy died. He had not received the flu vaccine and had been previously healthy, officials said. He became ill in November and had been hospitalized until he died at the end of last week of bacterial pneumonia, which can be a complication of flu.

“Any death is tragic, especially in one so young,’’ said Dr. Cheryl Archbald, acting commissioner of health.         

“The best protection we have against influenza is the annual flu shot, which is recommended for individuals six months of age and older,” she said.

Due to patient confidentiality, no further identifying information regarding the death of the child will be made public.