New York, NY – October 7, 2024: NYC Health + Hospitals today announced this year’s updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for established patients at its hospitals and Gotham Health sites. We encourage all New Yorkers 6 months of age and older to get vaccinated for the flu and COVID-19, which can be administered on the same day and are essential to keeping yourself and your family healthy and safe. Vaccines for flu and COVID-19 are safe, quick, and available at no out-of-pocket cost to patients who are vaccinated at NYC Health + Hospitals facilities and Gotham Health sites. The flu, or influenza, is a serious, highly contagious, and sometimes deadly disease, and the severity of each flu season is unpredictable, making annual vaccination the best defense against illness. COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory infection that may cause severe and even fatal illness, and staying up to date with your vaccinations remains the best defense. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone over the age of six months get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19, especially people at higher risk for severe disease.
Studies show the flu vaccine reduces the risk of illness by between 40 and 60 percent among the overall population. Many people at higher risk from flu are also at higher risk for severe disease from COVID-19. The 2024-2025 updated COVID-19 vaccines offers enhanced protection over the prior vaccine against the current and emerging variants circulating in our communities. In addition, the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine remains available for people between age 60 and 74 years with additional risk factors, all people age 75 years and older and pregnant women between weeks 32 and 36 gestation who are at higher risk of severe disease.
New Yorkers who would like to schedule an appointment or become patients with NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, can call 844-NYC-4NYC. You can also go here to see walk in hours at various NYC Health + Hospital and Gotham Health facilities.
“I cannot emphasize enough the importance of being vaccinated: the flu and COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, readily available, and can save your life,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Senior Vice President andChief Medical Officer Machelle Allen, MD. “The updated vaccines provide the best protection against current strains. I encourage all New Yorkers to do their part—get vaccinated to take care of yourself, your family, and your community.”
“Staying up to date with your vaccinations against COVID-19, flu, and RSV remains the surest way to protect yourself and your loved ones,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Chief Biopreparedness Officer Syra Madad, DHSc, MSc, MCP, CHEP. “As we enter respiratory virus season, I encourage all who are eligible to get vaccinated to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community, and enjoy the fall season with peace of mind.”
Why is it so important to get both a flu and COVID-19 vaccine this year?
New Yorkers who would like to schedule an appointment or become patients with NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, can call 844-NYC-4NYC. Check here for a list of walk-in appointments available.
Watch a video message from Dr. Syra Madad explaining why it is important for New Yorkers to get their annual flu vaccine.
For additional information, read the health system’s facts on fighting the flu.