New Yorkers are being urged by the State Department of Health to get their annual flu vaccine as soon as possible as cases in the state and nationally continue to soar.
A new report conducted by the DOH shows a 64% week over week increase in lab confirmed flu cases across the state and a 58% increase in hospitalizations.
“Our message is simple but urgent especially as we approach the holiday season: get vaccinated today,” State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said. “This year’s vaccine is a very effective match to the currently circulating flu strain, as well as being a safe, widely available, and critically important step in curbing the spread of this highly infectious virus. As the flu can lead to serious health complications, or even death, I urge every New Yorker who has not yet been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community.”
The flu has been widespread throughout the state for nine weeks now with reports in all of New York’s 62 counties.
The vaccine is available to all of those aged 6 months and older. With the holiday season approaching where family and friends get together, the DOH states it’s especially important to take precautions to protect against the flu including getting vaccinated or wearing a mask. Children under 5, women who are pregnant and those who have underlying health conditions are the highest groups at risk to infection.
