New York State Department of Health Urges New Yorkers To Get Vaccinated As Flu Cases Remain High

Department Emphasizes the Importance of Vaccination During Flu Season

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 9, 2026) – The New York State Department of Health continues to urge New Yorkers to get vaccinated against influenza as flu activity remains high statewide. Flu continues to pose a serious risk, and vaccination remains the best way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death.

"This is going to be a long, hard flu season. While we did see a small decrease in hospitalizations last week, there were still more hospitalizations than last year's peak," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "I remain very concerned about the impact on our state. Vaccination is still the best protection and remember, if you do get the flu, prescription treatment in the first 48 hours can be very effective."

Symptoms include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, tiredness, vomiting or diarrhea even though it is more common in children.

For the week ending January 3, hospitalizations from flu decreased. For the week ending January 3, there were 4,228 hospitalizations from flu, a decrease of 7 percent over the previous week. Additionally, there were 28,544 reported cases of flu, a decrease over the previous week.

The latest Respiratory Surveillance Report and Flu Tracker can be found here. Please note, data are updated weekly on Friday by 5 p.m. during the surveillance season.

It is not too late to get vaccinated against influenza, and the flu vaccine is widely available to those 6 months and older. Young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions and those ages 65 and older are most at risk of developing serious complications from flu.

To treat the flu, there are antiviral medications that can be prescribed by health care providers, which can reduce the length and severity of the illness but must be administered close to the onset of symptoms.

The seasonal influenza vaccine remains the best protection against serious illness and death from the flu. It can help reduce absences from work, school and extracurricular activities, and provides protection for the most vulnerable members of families and communities.

The flu vaccine is widely available, found at pharmacies, health clinics and physician's offices across the state. The flu vaccine is available to New Yorkers ages 2 and older at a health care provider's office or at participating pharmacies without a prescription. Children 6 months and older can receive the flu vaccine at a health care provider's office.

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, simple preventive actions can help stop the spread of influenza 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.

For more information about influenza in New York, visit the Department's flu website.