The New York State Department of Health has called on nursing homes and adult care facilities to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates among residents. Recent data shows that fewer than half of the more than 98,000 nursing home residents in the state are currently up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.
As of October 2025, only 46 percent of nursing home residents have received the latest vaccine. In the past week, over 4,800 doses were administered to residents. The Department sent a Dear Administrator Letter to all nursing home operators this week, highlighting their responsibility to provide updated vaccines to both residents and staff in line with state and federal recommendations.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald stated, “There are over 98,000 residents in our nursing homes, and just under half are up to date with the COVID vaccine. As we enter the respiratory illness season, now is the best time to get vaccinated and achieve the strongest protection against COVID. Nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to severe illness and death from COVID-19. Nursing homes are required to offer the vaccine to residents, and it is up to them and their families if they accept it. Clearly, the benefit of immunization outweighs the risk.”
COVID-19 remains a significant threat for older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Vaccination is considered the most effective method for reducing severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths related to COVID-19.
In 2024, there were 349 reported deaths linked to COVID-19 among nursing home residents in New York State. The Department’s Office of Aging and Long-Term Care continues its efforts with facilities statewide to raise vaccination rates and improve infection prevention before winter.
Further information about current COVID-19 vaccines and long-term care facility guidance can be found at COVID-19 | Department of Health.
