The Department of Health launched an initiative this month to encourage New Yorkers to stay safe with a vaccination campaign ahead of the winter season.
New York health officials planned to run promotional ads in digital, radio and outdoor media for at least six weeks starting in mid-October.
All New Yorkers ages 6 months and older should get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 this fall.
Adults ages 75 and older, and people ages 65 to 75 with certain chronic conditions or other risk factors, should also get the RSV vaccine if they have not done so before. To protect younger New Yorkers, pregnant people should receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, or their newborn should receive the RSV monoclonal antibody. Taking these measures will ensure that our most vulnerable New Yorkers are protected against all three viruses.
“During the fall and winter, New Yorkers are more susceptible to the flu,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “The flu vaccine has protected the lives of New Yorkers for decades. But to keep you and your family safe, and save time, combine it with an updated COVID-19 vaccine that can save lives,” the official added.
New Yorkers ages 50 and older, children ages 6 months to 5 years, those with certain chronic illnesses, and pregnant people are at particular risk for serious consequences from the flu.
Vaccines reduce risk of hospitalization and death
Each year, about 2,000 New Yorkers die from seasonal flu and pneumonia, which can develop as a complication of the flu. The flu vaccine reduces the risk of hospitalization and death from the flu.
The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines are designed to be more effective in protecting against the latest variants.
The Department of Health is taking steps to promote updated vaccines, launching a vaccination advertising campaign, engaging with providers and activating community partnerships.
Check with your provider to see if they offer vaccination. Hundreds of city providers, including pharmacies, are also offering vaccines. New Yorkers can find a flu and COVID-19 vaccine based on their insurance or at no cost near them using the city’s Vaccine Finder. New Yorkers can find an RSV vaccine by visiting the New York City Health Map. All three vaccines can be given to adults at the same time. To evaluate your eligibility to enroll in health insurance, call 311.
Increase percentage of vaccinated
According to the Community Health Survey conducted this year, only 50% of people over the age of 18 reported receiving the flu vaccine. The US Healthy People 2030 goal for flu vaccine coverage is 70% for all ages.
Typical flu and RSV seasons begin in late fall and last through winter and spring. Because flu activity can be unpredictable and flu viruses can be found year-round, it is recommended that most people get vaccinated in September or October, although it is never too late to get vaccinated.
Older adults can get vaccinated against RSV year-round. However, pregnant people should be vaccinated against RSV from September to January each year, and newborns (whose mothers are not vaccinated against RSV) can receive the RSV monoclonal antibody from October to March. COVID-19 vaccines can be administered year-round, although spikes in COVID-19 have been seen in the winter, making fall a good time to get vaccinated.
COVID-19, the flu, and RSV share many common symptoms, so it’s important to get tested if you suspect you may have either illness, as diagnosis can affect treatment.
