New York State Department of Health Announces the Launch of a Comprehensive Seasonal Respiratory Virus Dashboard

New Dashboard Provides a Snapshot View of Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV Activity Across State

State Health Commissioner Declares Flu Prevalent Signaling Early Flu Season Across the State

Department Urges New Yorkers to Put their Health First by Getting Vaccinated

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 26, 2026) - The New York State Department of Health today announced the launch of a new Seasonal Respiratory Virus Dashboard. The Department's longstanding reporting has now expanded to include a new dashboard encompassing influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), offering a more comprehensive view of respiratory illness trends statewide. The new dashboard provides a visual snapshot of laboratory-confirmed cases and hospitalizations associated with flu, COVID, and RSV with options to view data by geographic location and track trends over time. This year, the data indicates that flu season is starting earlier than usual and that vaccination rates, based on vaccinations reported to the State, are lower than in previous years. State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald declared that influenza (flu) is now prevalent in New York State.

"As we head into respiratory illness season early this year, I encourage all eligible New Yorkers, and especially vulnerable populations, to protect their health by receiving their seasonal COVID and influenza vaccines," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Flu, COVID, and RSV are vaccine preventable diseases and vaccines are the best protection against serious illness or death."

Earlier this month, Governor Hochul and Dr. McDonald received their seasonal immunizations and urged all New Yorkers to put their health first and do the same.

Among doses reported last year, fewer than half of adults received a flu shot. Additional information, including prevention guidance, reporting requirements, and other resources, is available on the Department's Respiratory Viruses webpage.

The new Seasonal Respiratory Virus Surveillance Dashboard is another step in the Department's ongoing activities to inform healthcare providers and the public about conditions that may be important to them, providing information for prevention. Similar reports include the Tick-borne Disease Surveillance Report, the Global Health Update Report, and others available on the Department's website.

Symptoms of flu, COVID-19, and RSV can be similar in their early presentation. These include:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)

Avoiding illness by getting vaccinated remains the most effective way to prevent infection and reduce the risk of severe illness for children and adults, and for individuals who are at higher risk of serious complications from flu, COVID-19, and RSV. These vaccines are widely available, found at pharmacies, health clinics, and medical offices across the state. Keep in mind it takes about two weeks after the shot to build full protection potential.

  • FLU: The flu vaccine remains available to New Yorkers aged 2 and older at participating pharmacies without a prescription. Children 6 months and older can receive the flu vaccine at a health care provider's office.
  • COVID-19: New York State released the 2026–2027 COVID vaccine guidance that recommends COVID-19 vaccination for children (6 months to 18 years old), all adults, and individuals at higher risk, including those who are pregnant, lactating or immunocompromised. 
  • RSV: While the vaccine may be available at provider offices, there is a statewide standing order allowing pharmacists in New York State to administer the RSV vaccine to eligible individuals. This includes adults 75 years and older, people 60-75 with underlying medical conditions and pregnant people.

Simple preventative actions can also help stop the spread of 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.

In addition, individuals who experience symptoms or live with, care for, or are considered at a heightened risk of severe illness – including children five years of age or younger, pregnant people, older adults and those with underlying health conditions – should also consider wearing a well-fitting mask when around others.

To increase public knowledge about the spread of these respiratory illnesses, and the importance of vaccinations as a critical prevention step, the Department also shares information on social media platforms Instagram,  X (formerly known as Twitter), and Facebook.