New York State Department of Health Recognizes National Influenza Vaccination Week

Department Urges Vaccination Ahead of Upcoming Holidays

Find Nearby Flu Vaccine Locations: Vaccines.gov

ALBANY, N.Y. (December 4, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health recognizes National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 2 - 6, and encourages everyone aged 6 months and older to get the influenza vaccine to ensure a safe and healthy holiday season with friends and family.

"The flu vaccine is the most effective tool we have to prevent ending up in the hospital or passing away from the flu," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "No one wants to be in the hospital this time of the year, so do yourself a favor and get the flu vaccine."

Getting the flu vaccine has many benefits. Not only does it help prevent transmission of the flu, but it can make the illness less severe for those who do get sick. Getting a flu vaccine helps protect others from getting the flu, especially people at higher risk of developing complications including adults aged 65 and older, residents in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, or anyone with underlying medical conditions.

Anyone who is a caregiver to an infant should be vaccinated to try to prevent their infant from catching the flu, as infants under 6 months of age have a higher risk of flu complications but are too young for the flu vaccine.

The seasonal flu vaccine is particularly important this year for people with frequent exposure to birds or other animals potentially infected with avian influenza (bird flu) which has recently been found in the U.S. There are no human vaccines available in the U.S. to prevent avian influenza infection, however the seasonal flu vaccine can reduce the risk of co-infection with both a human seasonal flu virus and an avian flu virus.

The Department's latest flu surveillance report with data through November 23, shows a total of 1,881 positive influenza cases across 50 counties in New York have been reported, a 53-percent increase in positive cases compared with the previous week. So far this season, 7,776 cases have been reported statewide. View the current report and the NYS Flu Tracker here.

The flu is a contagious illness that can affect various parts of the body, most commonly the nose, throat and lungs. The flu is not just a really bad cold. It can spread very quickly from one person to another.

Symptoms of flu may include:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Some people have vomiting or diarrhea. This is more common in children.

Simple preventative actions can also help stop the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when sick.
  • Cover cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Flu vaccines are widely available at various locations to ensure everyone can easily get one. Vaccines can be received at local pharmacies, community health clinics, special vaccination events, health care providers, local health departments and various other locations.

Visit vaccines.gov to find all vaccinations sites by location, check availability and schedule an appointment.

More information about the flu and the vaccine can be found here.