Media Advisory – State Health Commissioner to Receive COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccines
Event: Media Availability – Interview and photo/video opportunities
What: State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald will receive the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine along with this season's influenza vaccine. The Commissioner will discuss the importance of receiving the vaccines ahead of the respiratory illness season.
Date: Wednesday, September 24
Time: 12:45 p.m.
Where: Lindsay Drug Co.
416 5th Ave, Troy, N.Y. 12182
Contact: Erin Clary, DOH Deputy Communications Director, (518) 603-0295
Cadence Acquaviva, DOH Senior Public Information Officer (518) 918-6578
Background:
Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed an Executive Order allowing pharmacists the option to administer COVID-19 vaccines to individuals 3 years and older, facilitating access for all eligible New Yorkers who wish to be vaccinated. The Department recommends calling ahead to check on availability before arriving at the pharmacy.
Additionally, Commissioner Dr. McDonald has issued standing orders that allow eligible New Yorkers to receive the COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine 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.
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, heart and the immune system, young children, elderly populations, and persons who are pregnant, have a higher risk of developing serious complications from influenza, COVID-19 and RSV.
