NY Health Department Urging Public To Get Flu, COVID-19 Vaccines

NEW YORK — The New York Department of Health wants to make sure the public gets vaccinated against both the flu and COVID-19 this fall.

Health officials announced this week the launch of its annual public education campaign, reminding adults and parents to get the shots for themselves and children 6 months and older.

Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said the message this fall is simple: Get your shots.

“We know that both flu and COVID-19 transmission will increase during the fall and winter seasons,” she said, “and that both vaccines provide meaningful protection against getting very sick or being hospitalized.”

Bassett said vaccination for both flu and COVID-19 is recommended for everyone 6 months and older and can be given during the same appointment.

She said everyone 12 and older should check whether it is time for a COVID booster.

“For those who are unsure where they are in their COVID-19 vaccination journey,” Bassett said, “talk to a health care provider or pharmacist who will help make sure you get the recommended doses.”

Health experts said both the flu and COVID-19 are contagious, respiratory illnesses that have similar symptoms — and may include cough, fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Those symptoms make it difficult to distinguish between the two viral infections.

Respiratory symptoms may be present without a fever, and some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea.

Severe disease, which vaccination strongly helps to prevent, health experts said, may include hospitalization or even death.

Bassett said, as flu is already considered widespread across the state, New Yorkers should get vaccinated as soon as they can, which may be earlier than prior years. The flu vaccine is available to those 6 months and older. People with chronic diseases such as those affecting the lungs and heart, young children and pregnant people have a higher risk of developing serious complications.

She said both shots can be administered at the same time, including the updated COVID-19 bivalent booster, which is available for eligible people 12 years and up.

An appointment for a flu shot can be scheduled through this website. A COVID-19 shot can be scheduled here.

Watch the state’s latest 30-second video about getting vaccinated below.