The state health department is ramping up efforts to protect New Yorkers from contagious respiratory infections ahead of the holiday season, amid growing apathy toward the latest COVID-19 vaccinations.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James MacDonald said New York state will experience peak influenza and COVID-19 infections around New Year’s Eve. He was vaccinated against both diseases at the same time last week to avoid serious illness this winter.
Approximately 3,500 New Yorkers died from serious coronavirus complications last year.
“That’s the equivalent of 10 (Boeing) 747s crashing in New York state,” McDonald said. “We will never become numb to that.”
As of late last week, 8.9% of New Yorkers had received a flu shot, compared to 4.5% who had received a coronavirus vaccine this season, according to health department data.
Tompkins County in the Finger Lakes has the highest COVID-19 vaccination rate at 9.5%, followed by Sullivan County with the lowest at 2.3%.
But the health commissioner said it was still too early, adding that it was safe to receive both vaccines at the same time and in the same arm.
McDonald’s has issued a standing order allowing all New Yorkers six months of age and older to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, saying this season’s vaccine is a good match for the current Omicron variant.
Seasonal influenza vaccines are available at pharmacies without a prescription for three different strains of the virus for people 2 years of age and older. Higher doses are given to people over 65.
But vaccine hesitancy remains prevalent among minorities and in poor, urban, and rural areas, where misinformation spreads fastest.
“Make sure you listen to the experts,” McDonald says. “Many people who claim to be vaccine experts are actually pushing an agenda. I’m the state health commissioner. I have nothing to sell to you. My only goal is to keep you healthy. is.”
The State Rural Health Association is working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on a special national campaign to reduce the risk of serious illness, especially for older adults, people with chronic conditions, and state residents. Raising awareness about coronavirus, RSV vaccine. People in long-term care or pregnant women.
“Vaccines have long been proven to be a safe and effective way to prevent infectious diseases,” said Sarah Ravenhall, executive director of the Association of State Health Officials. Families and their communities are safe. ”
