New York State Health Commissioner Receives COVID and Influenza Seasonal Immunizations, Urges New Yorkers to Do the Same
State Health Commissioner Encourages New Yorkers to Prepare for Respiratory Illness Season
Governor Hochul Also Received Her Season Flu Shot and Urges All New Yorkers To Put their Health First and Do the Same
ALBANY, N.Y. (October 9, 2026) – State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald rolled up his sleeves today to receive the 2026-2027 COVID and influenza (flu) seasonal vaccines and encouraged all eligible New Yorkers to do the same ahead of the respiratory illness season.
During the 2025-2026 respiratory illness season, nearly 27,000 New Yorkers were hospitalized with influenza and nearly 600 died. More than 13,000 New Yorkers were hospitalized with COVID-19 and nearly 500 died.
"Last year, thousands of New Yorkers were hospitalized and more than 1,000 died from flu and COVID," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Last year does not have to be this year. As the State's doctor, I encourage all New Yorkers to get their seasonal immunizations. Vaccination is the best protection to help keep ourselves and our families healthy."
The State and New York City Health Departments recently endorsed recommendations for flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 immunizations ahead of respiratory virus season. New York State and New York City health officials encouraged providers to follow the Respiratory Virus Immunization Recommendations released by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, in collaboration with the American Medical Association and the Vaccine Integrity Project. These recommendations are based on peer-reviewed scientific data from nearly 300 studies and represent evidence-based medicine.
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 2026-2027 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.
The seasonal influenza vaccine is available to New Yorkers over the age of 2 years at participating pharmacies without a prescription or through the Vaccines for Children program. Children 6 months and older can receive the influenza vaccine at a healthcare provider's office.
New this year, the first mRNA influenza vaccine is available for use in persons 50 years of age and older. Trial results suggest the mRNA vaccine is equally effective as a high-dose vaccine for adults older than 65 and may offer greater protection against laboratory-confirmed influenza compared with a standard dose flu vaccine in adults. The new mRNA flu vaccine is covered by commercial insurance, Medicaid and Medicare, and is available at participating pharmacies. Adults over 50 should talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine if this vaccine is right for you.
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.
