New York State Health Commissioner Receives COVID and Seasonal Influenza Immunizations, Urges New Yorkers to Do the Same
State Health Commissioner McDonald Encourages New Yorkers to Prepare their Immune Systems ahead of Respiratory Illness Season by Receiving COVID, Seasonal Influenza and RSV Immunizations
Governor Hochul's Executive Order Allows All Eligible New Yorkers to Receive Vaccines at Pharmacies Without the Need for an Individual Prescription from Their Health Care Provider
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ALBANY, N.Y. (September 24, 2025) – State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald today rolled up his sleeves at Lindsay Drug Co., a pharmacy in Troy, NY, where he received the 2025-2026 COVID and seasonal influenza (flu) vaccines. The Commissioner encouraged all eligible New Yorkers to do the same ahead of respiratory illness season.
"As we head into respiratory season and the upcoming holidays, I encourage all eligible New Yorkers, and especially those who are more vulnerable, to protect their health by receiving their COVID and seasonal influenza vaccines," State Health Commissioner said. "Thanks to Governor Hochul's recent Executive Order, you can now stop by your local pharmacy to get vaccinated without a separate prescription from your doctor. Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death."
Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed an Executive Order allowing pharmacists the option to administer COVID 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 McDonald has issued standing orders that allow eligible New Yorkers to receive the COVID 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 years at participating pharmacies without a prescription. Children 6 months and older can receive the influenza vaccine at a health care provider's office.
New York State recently released the 2025–2026 COVID vaccine guidance that recommends COVID vaccination for children (6 months to 18 years old), all adults, and individuals at higher risk, including those who are pregnant, lactating or immunocompromised.
The State guidance also aligns with consensus COVID recommendations agreed upon by the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a group of several Northeastern states and municipalities including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island and New York City. These recommendations are consistent with the 2025-2026 COVID vaccination guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Under the Affordable Care Act, most private health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid plans cover influenza, COVID 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. New Yorkers are encouraged to check with their provider, pharmacy, and insurer to verify coverage and availability.
Influenza season usually runs October through May and typically peaks between December and February. Avoiding illness by getting the flu and COVID 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 vaccines at the same time.
Influenza, RSV and COVID 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 and RSV.
More information about COVID vaccines is available here.
More information about the influenza vaccine is available here.
More information about the RSV vaccine is available here.
Information about vaccine safety can be found here.
