PROVIDENCE (AP) — There has been one flu-related death and 24 hospitalizations in Rhode Island so far this flu season, according to state health officials.

The Rhode Island Department of Heath released the numbers Thursday and urged residents to get flu shots.

During the last flu season, there were 39 deaths and 1,032 hospitalizations associated with the flu, according to the department.

Health officials use a five-tier system to measure flu activity. The flu in Rhode Island is currently regional, which is just below widespread, the highest tier. But, the department said, neighboring Massachusetts and Connecticut, as well as more than a dozen states, are reporting widespread flu.

Vaccination is particularly important for the elderly, young children, pregnant women, health care workers and people with chronic medical conditions, according to the department.