State health officials are growing increasingly alarmed about the rising number of residents becoming very ill due to COVID. Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said the data is not good for a couple of reasons.
“For every one person in the hospital with flu right now, three are in the hospital related to COVID," he said. "When I look at the vaccine numbers, we're 30% behind last year. So my duty is to warn New Yorkers, I'm concerned.”
State data show flu cases and hospitalizations are beginning their seasonal uptick, though those for COVID have declined and stabilized from a peak in early October.
Regardless, McDonald said there’s an easy way to avoid the worst health effects.
“COVID vaccine is available for everyone who wants it at your pharmacy or doctor's office," he said. "My advice to you is the best protection is to get your COVID vaccine.”
Earlier this fall, New York joined the Northeast Public Health Collaborative to counter the Trump administration’s misinformation on vaccines, especially for children and pregnant women. Governor Hochul also extended an executive order allowing pharmacists to administer COVID vaccines.
