State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald received both the COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccines at a pharmacy in Troy, New York, as part of an effort to encourage all eligible residents to get vaccinated ahead of the respiratory illness season.
“As we head into respiratory season and the upcoming holidays, I encourage all eligible New Yorkers, and especially those who are more vulnerable, to protect their health by receiving their COVID and seasonal influenza vaccines,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s recent Executive Order, you can now stop by your local pharmacy to get vaccinated without a separate prescription from your doctor. Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death.”
Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed an Executive Order that permits pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines to individuals aged 3 years and older. This measure is intended to make it easier for New Yorkers to access vaccination services at local pharmacies. The Department of Health recommends contacting pharmacies ahead of time to confirm vaccine availability.
Commissioner McDonald has also issued standing orders allowing eligible individuals to receive both COVID-19 and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccines at any pharmacy without needing a prescription from a physician.
The flu vaccine is available for people over 2 years old at participating pharmacies without a prescription, while children as young as six months can receive the flu shot through their healthcare provider.
The state’s latest guidance on COVID-19 vaccination recommends immunization for children ages six months through 18 years, adults, and people at higher risk such as those who are pregnant or immunocompromised. These recommendations align with guidance from several professional medical organizations and regional public health groups including the Northeast Public Health Collaborative—a partnership among Northeastern states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, as well as New York City—and reflect consensus statements from national organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Under federal law established by the Affordable Care Act (https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/preventive-services/), most private insurance plans along with Medicare and Medicaid cover influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations without cost-sharing when administered by in-network providers or pharmacies. For those who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover updated vaccines, shots will be provided free of charge through community health centers or local health departments that participate in the state’s Vaccines for Adults program.
Influenza season typically runs from October through May with peak activity between December and February. Getting vaccinated against both flu and COVID-19 is considered one of the most effective ways for children and adults to avoid infection or reduce severe illness; it is safe to receive both shots during one visit.
Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory illnesses that share similar symptoms. People with chronic conditions affecting organs such as lungs or heart—as well as young children, older adults, pregnant individuals—are at greater risk for complications from these infections.
For more information about available vaccines:
COVID: here.
Influenza: here.
RSV: here.
Vaccine safety: here.
