Governor Hochul Announces Steps to Protect New Yorkers from Respiratory Illnesses This Fall and Winter - ny.gov

Seasonal Influenza

As with RSV, preliminary data indicates flu season is starting earlier than normal this year, which is why DOH is urging New Yorkers not to delay in getting their annual flu shot. The agency maintains a weekly tracker displaying flu cases across the state throughout flu surveillance season, which is October through May of the following calendar year.

Earlier this month DOH launched its annual public education campaign, reminding adults and parents to get both flu and COVID-19 shots for themselves and children 6 months and older. Roughly 3 million influenza shots had been given as of Oct. 26.

COVID-19

Simultaneously, New York State is bracing for an increase in COVID-19 infections, which have spiked during the fall and winter months for two consecutive years. Cases are moderated as of now - between about 10 and 25 per 100,000 people in every region - though hospital admissions have been growing and are now between approximately two and three per 100,000 in every region.

COVID-19 continues to disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including older adults and immunocompromised individuals. Over the past eight weeks, 60 percent of COVID hospital admissions have been patients aged 65 or older.

In accordance with the Fall Action Plan developed last summer, DOH has continued to take action to enhance the State's preparedness for a potential surge in infections this fall and winter. More than 2.6 million at-home COVID-19 tests were distributed to schools across the state, with the availability of another 30 million tests over the next year.

The agency is also working closely with providers and local health departments to encourage COVID-19 vaccination and bivalent boosters, which children 5 years and older may receive to protect against infection. In addition to getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, there are some practical ways to avoid contracting and spreading RSV, flu, and COVID-19 viruses this fall and winter:

• Wash your hands often with soap and hot water for least 20 seconds to protect yourself from germs and avoid spreading them to others.
• Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol to use when soap and water are not available.
• Do not cough or sneeze into your hands. Instead, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth if you are symptomatic.

DOH is continuing to conduct wastewater surveillance for COVID-19 transmission, which will enable health officials to detect potential surges throughout the state. Likewise, the agency will continue to coordinate with local health departments to set up additional pop-ups to deliver this important protection to communities where vaccination rates are low.