Photo Courtesy of Councilman Ulrich’s Office
Councilman Eric Ulrich got his flu shot earlier this month at Cross Bay Chemist.
By Forum Staff
Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday reminded all New Yorkers to get a flu shot during the upcoming flu season, which generally begins in October and runs through May.
In encouraging Empire State residents to get vaccinated, Cuomo recalled last year’s heavy flu season in which there were 23,377 flu-related hospitalizations and six pediatric deaths in New York. Over the last four years, there have been a total of 25 pediatric flu deaths in the state.
Additionally this week, the State launched a public-service advertising campaign to further remind New Yorkers to get vaccinated. The State Department of Health, Office of Children and Family Services, State Office for the Aging and State Education Department will coordinate efforts to target educational materials to those most at risk, including children, pregnant woman and older adults. The State DOH is also providing access to flu educational materials that can be printed and posted to help raise awareness, Cuomo noted.
Earlier this year, the governor signed an emergency executive order allowing pharmacists to administer flu vaccines to children ages 2 to 18 during the 2018 flu season. Following the signing of the emergency executive order, pharmacists vaccinated approximately 9,000 individuals ages 2 to 18 against the flu. Subsequently, Cuomo passed legislation codifying the order into law, meaning that now a pharmacist can administer the vaccine to any person age 2 or older. The governor urged New Yorkers to take advantage of the expanded access and get vaccinated.
“Getting a flu shot still remains the best way to stay healthy during this season,” the governor said. “It is critical for all New Yorkers, especially older adults, young children and pregnant women, to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to take other necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus in New York.”
According to DOH, the flu can cause severe illness. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People infected with the flu may have respiratory symptoms without a fever. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people who are very sick or people who are sick and at high risk of serious flu complications be treated early with flu antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs work best when started within two days of symptoms first appearing. There are currently no shortages of antiviral drugs, and manufacturers report they expect to meet projected seasonal demands.
Adults aged 65 years and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions, young children and pregnant women are among those at highest risk for serious flu complications, which may require hospitalization and result in death. Because the flu virus can spread through coughing or sneezing, it is especially important for family members and people who have regular contact with high-risk individuals to be vaccinated. In addition, all healthcare workers should be vaccinated against influenza to protect their health and the health of their patients.
To receive a flu shot, contact your local healthcare provider or pharmacy; or find information about vaccination clinics in your area by contacting the City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
