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Health Top Story 

Get Your Flu Shot Now!

LaToya

Q&A with NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi on Why It Matters

New Yorkers: Get your flu shot now! Learn more from Dr. Dave Chokshi, Commissioner of the NYC Health Department, on where you can find one and why it’s so important: 

Why is it important to get the flu vaccine?   
This year’s flu vaccine could be the most important one you ever get. Because we are still battling COVID-19 in New York City, we want New Yorkers to stay as healthy as possible and spare themselves and our healthcare system a trip to the hospital. Just as we wear our masks to protect one another, the flu vaccine also helps us to protect others. 

When is the best time to get the flu vaccine? 
Get it early! Flu season usually starts in the fall and lasts throughout the spring. We must get a flu vaccine every year because it provides protection for only one season. But if you miss it in September or October, you should know that it is never too late. 

Who should get the flu vaccine? 
All New Yorkers older than 6 months of age should get the flu vaccine. People who are more vulnerable to the flu include adults ages 50 and older, pregnant people, children ages 6 months to 5 years, people with chronic diseases, people who are overweight, and people living in nursing homes or other care facilities. It is also very important to get the flu vaccine if you are a health care worker. 

Is it true that Black New Yorkers are less likely to get the flu vaccine? 
Overall in New York City, there are too many people who just don’t get the flu vaccine. We estimate that around 48% of New Yorkers get the flu vaccine but our goal is 70%. Like many other health issues, there are differences by race. In New York City, 43% of Black adults get the flu vaccine compared to 51% of white adults. Unfortunately, medical history has a legacy of  racist and unethical behavior by medical providers and researchers. It is one reason we may see distrust of the medical community – as well as lower vaccination numbers – among Black New Yorkers. But we don’t want this shameful history of racism to make Black New Yorkers vulnerable to the flu. We urge everyone to get vaccinated. 

Is the flu vaccine safe? 
The flu vaccine is very safe. Hundreds of millions of Americans have safely received flu vaccines over the past 50 years. And just because a person has never gotten the flu doesn’t mean that they may not get it this year. 

Does the flu vaccine cause side effects? 
The benefits of getting the flu vaccine far outweigh any risk. The vaccine can cause temporary soreness or swelling from the shot, headache, fever, nausea, and muscle aches. More serious complications are extremely rare. 

How can NYCHA residents get the flu vaccine? 
The good news is getting the flu vaccine this year is easier than it has ever been. The vaccine is already widely available, especially for children that require two doses.  

Here is some useful information about where to get your flu vaccine: 

  • Check with your regular health care provider to see if they have flu vaccine. Many community health centers, hospitals, and H+H City-run clinics provide no- or low-cost flu vaccines to patients as well as accept non-patients for flu vaccination.  
  • New Yorkers can use the Health Department’s online NYC Health Map, call 311, or text FLU to 877-877 to find a flu vaccination provider. The vaccine is covered by most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, without a co-pay and also available for free at many sites, regardless of immigration status. 

Here is some useful information for parents about the flu: 

  • There are over 1,450 facilities in New York City that are open and providing vaccinations to children. The first step for parents is to call their child’s primary care physician. If they’re not open, call 844-NYC-4NYC (H+H hotline) to find a provider who is open and offering vaccinations.
      
  • Children attending child care and school are expected to be up-to date with required immunizations. Don’t wait until the last minute – bring your child in for their vaccinations now.  
  • The Health Department is supporting community primary care offices to ensure there are options for children who need to get vaccines. 

Dr. Dave Chokshi is the Health Commissioner for New York City.