New York – Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a public health emergency Saturday in response to New York State’s severe flu season.
In an executive order, Governor Cuomo gave clearance for pharmacists across New York to administer flu shots to patients between six months and 18 years old for the next 30 days. This suspends a state law only allowing them to administer the vaccine to those over the age of 18.
To date, there have been over 19,000 diagnosed cases of the flu in New York this season. That is compared to just over 4,400 during last year’s flu season.
In a statement released Saturday, Governor Cuomo reminded New Yorkers that it is still not too late to get a flu shot. He encouraged those in the state who have yet to receive the vaccination to do so.
You can find a local flu vaccine provider near you by visiting http://flushot.healthmap.org and entering your zip code, or by calling 1-800-522-5006
