New York State Health Commissioner Receives COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza Vaccination At Albany's Lincoln Pharmacy
State Health Commissioner McDonald Encourages New Yorkers to Receive COVID-19, Seasonal Influenza and RSV Vaccines ahead of Respiratory Illness Season
Standing Orders Allow All Eligible New Yorkers to Receive Vaccines at Pharmacies Without the Need for an Individual Prescription from Their Health Care Provider
ALBANY, N.Y. (October 9, 2024) – State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald today rolled up his sleeves at Lincoln Pharmacy where he received the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine as well as the seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine. The Commissioner encouraged all eligible New Yorkers to do the same ahead of respiratory illness season.
"As we head into respiratory and the upcoming holiday season, I encourage all eligible New Yorkers, and especially vulnerable populations, to protect their health by receiving their COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccines," State Health Commissioner said. "Stop by your pharmacy like I did today and let them know you want to get vaccinated. Protect yourself and your loved ones; get vaccinated today."
Commissioner Dr. McDonald has issued standing orders that allow eligible New Yorkers to receive the COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines at any pharmacy without a separate prescription from their physician. The seasonal influenza vaccine remains available to New Yorkers over the age of 2 at pharmacies without a prescription. Children 6 months and older can receive the influenza vaccine at a health care provider's office.
As infants under the age of 6 months are not eligible for COVID-19 vaccination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends pregnant people receive the recommended COVID-19 vaccines to protect themselves and their young infants.
Under the Affordable Care Act, most private health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid plans cover influenza, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines without cost-sharing when received at an in-network provider or pharmacy. Those who are uninsured, or whose insurance does not cover the updated vaccine, will have access to the shots free of charge through community health centers or local health departments participating in the New York State Department of Health Vaccines for Adults program.
Influenza season usually runs October through May, and typically peaks between December and February. Avoiding illness by getting the flu and COVID-19 shots remains the most effective way to prevent infection and reduce the risk of severe illness for children and adults. It is safe to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.
Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 are contagious, respiratory viral infections that can have similar symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish between the three illnesses. People with chronic conditions, including those that affect the lungs and heart, young children, elderly populations, and persons who are pregnant, have a higher risk of developing serious complications from influenza, COVID-19 and RSV.
More information about COVID-19 vaccines is available here.
More information about the influenza vaccine is available here.
More information about the RSV vaccine is available here.
Where to find vaccines in your area can be found here.
Information about vaccine safety can be found here.
