Health Experts Urge New Yorkers to Get The Flu Shot Now
Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraging New Yorkers to get their flu shots this month due to the flu cases rising and predictions of a bad flu season.
As cooler weather is approaching, so is flu season. New York (NY) health officials have already begun warning the public that the flu is going to be widespread this year. NY Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett stated, “I urge all New Yorkers to protect themselves and their family and friends by getting a flu vaccine as soon as possible. With the early and aggressive spread of influenza, the annual flu shot is the most effective protection against serious illness. The COVID-19 booster can also be administered at the same time as the flu shot to further protect your health and those around you.”1
New York health officials say flu cases have been on the rise since September. New York City (NYC), the Capital District, and Central New York have been hit especially hard. More than half of the 62 counties in the state have reported flu cases already which is above average for this time of year. The state’s total is already four times greater than it was at this time last year. The numbers have only been increasing and the peak flu season of December to February is still over a month away.1
Along with the flu, COVID is another big concern. Both the flu and COVID are viral infections and have similar symptoms such as fever, headache, cough, sore throat, congestion, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Health experts urge the public to make sure they stay up to date on both flu and COVID vaccines.
National health professionals are also urging people to beware of the flu this year and to get your flu shot early. They are predicting a high flu season because oftentimes what happens in the southern hemisphere is a predictor of what the United States (US) can expect. Australia just had its worst flu season in five years.2
The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Rochelle Walensky stated, “With a potentially challenging flu season ahead, I urge everyone to protect themselves and their families from flu and its potentially serious complications. Schedule your flu vaccine today.”3 The flu shot can be administered at any time during the flu season but the CDC recommends getting the flu shot before the end of October. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine’s protection to set in.3 If you get your flu shot before the end of October this will help protect you during the holidays.
Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan states, “As we head into fall and winter, be prepared for whatever comes by protecting yourself against COVID-19 and influenza through vaccination. The flu vaccine has protected New Yorkers for decades. It can keep you from getting sick and out of the Emergency Room. This is the perfect time of year to pair it with a COVID-19 booster shot. I got both at the same time, and I’m encouraging my patients and all of you to do the same!”2 New Yorkers can find a location near them offering flu and COVID vaccines by using the NY Vaccine Finder by clicking here.
Resources
1. NBC New York. (2022, October 6). NY issues warning as flu cases skyrocket — with worst of season still ahead. NBC New York. Retrieved October 13, 2022, from https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/health/ny-issues-warning-as-flu-cases-skyrocket-with-worst-of-season-still-ahead/3896695/
2. It’s time to get your flu shot and your covid-19 booster — get both in one appointment. It’s Time To Get Your Flu Shot and Your COVID-19 Booster — Get Both in One Appointment — NYC Health. (2022, October 3). Retrieved October 13, 2022, from https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/about/press/pr2022/get-both-your-flu-shot-and-your-covid-19-booster-in-one-appointment.page
3. Tillman, R. (2022, October 10). Study: 49% of U.S. adults plan on flu shot amid potentially severe season. Study: 49% of U.S. adults plan to get flu shot. Retrieved October 13, 2022, from https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2022/10/10/less-than-half-of-us-adults-flu-shot-potentially-severe-season
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