The New York State Department of Health is urging residents to take precautions against respiratory illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) ahead of the holiday season. Officials are recommending vaccination as a key measure to protect individuals and communities during upcoming gatherings and travel.
“We expect a more severe flu season due to circulating strains of the virus compared to last year. To protect yourself and loved ones against COVID, influenza and RSV, we strongly encourage you to take action for your health and get vaccinated ahead of the holidays,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “Gathering with loved ones is what this season is all about. Vaccines ensure we have the best protection.”
The Department recently introduced a new Respiratory Surveillance Report that provides detailed information on trends in respiratory illnesses across New York State.
Flu activity has increased sharply in recent weeks. The latest data from the Department shows that there have been 32,769 reported flu cases across all 62 counties since early October. In just one week, lab-confirmed flu cases rose by 80 percent, from 8,077 to 14,506 cases. Hospitalizations related to flu also nearly doubled in the same period.
Despite these increases, fewer people have received flu vaccines compared to last year; as of mid-November, approximately 3.4 million doses had been administered statewide—a decrease of about five percent from the previous year.
Certain groups remain at higher risk for serious complications from influenza, including older adults, those with chronic medical conditions, young children, infants, and pregnant people. Last season saw a record number of pediatric deaths linked to influenza in New York State.
Vaccination remains widely available at pharmacies and healthcare providers throughout New York for everyone aged six months or older. Antiviral medications can also help reduce illness severity if prescribed promptly after symptoms begin.
COVID-19 continues to circulate throughout the state with nearly two thousand cases reported in late November alongside over three hundred hospitalizations for the virus during that week alone. Vaccination rates for COVID-19 are lower than last year; about 1.3 million doses have been given since late August—a drop of thirty percent compared to the same period in 2024—with adults aged sixty-five and older seeing a twenty-five percent decline in uptake.
Governor Hochul has extended an executive order permitting pharmacists to administer COVID vaccines so that more residents—including children as young as three—can access immunization conveniently at local pharmacies or through their healthcare providers.
In response to federal policy changes affecting vaccine access nationwide, state officials partnered with regional public health organizations to distribute updated guidance based on scientific recommendations.
RSV activity is also rising across New York State this winter season with over two thousand cases reported during one recent week—most among children under age four—and more than two hundred hospitalizations recorded statewide during that time frame.
A single-dose RSV vaccine is now available for older adults and pregnant people who wish to protect themselves or their infants from severe disease; parents should consult healthcare providers regarding eligibility for new antibody treatments designed specifically for newborns and high-risk infants.
Health authorities emphasize that it is safe and effective for eligible individuals to receive vaccinations against flu, COVID-19, and RSV during a single appointment before gathering with family or traveling this holiday season.
