Governor Andrew Cuomo today called for continued vigilance to prevent the spread of influenza and again urged all New Yorkers to get vaccinated against this potentially deadly disease. Last week, 16,804 laboratory confirmed influenza cases were reported to the New York State Department of Health, again the highest weekly number since reporting began in 2004. The number of weekly hospitalizations decreased for the first time since influenza was declared prevalent in December, with 2,409 New Yorkers hospitalized for lab confirmed influenza.
"As the number of flu cases continues to rise, I urge all New Yorkers to take every action to protect themselves and their loved ones from this epidemic," Governor Cuomo said. "We are doing everything we can to ensure the availability and affordability of the flu vaccine, and I encourage everyone to stay vigilant and get vaccinated."
Earlier this week, Governor Cuomo announced a 30-day budget amendment to increase convenience and vaccine accessibility by amending state education law allowing pharmacists to administer flu vaccines to children ages 2 to 18, thereby codifying Executive Order 176. As a result, this legislation will encourage pharmacies to enroll in the New York State Vaccines for Children Program, which provides vaccines to children and individuals regardless of their ability to pay. The Governor also called on individual physicians to enroll in the Vaccines for Children program, if not already enrolled.
Last week, Governor Cuomo directed the New York State Department of Health to authorize enhanced reimbursement for counties statewide to help fund expanded efforts to promote and increase access to flu vaccines statewide. This action builds on New York State's ongoing efforts to combat the flu epidemic.
The Department of Health's website links to each local health department providing the public a one-stop-shop approach to individual counties' expanded efforts. Additionally, the HealthMap Vaccine Finder also identifies locations where vaccines can be found at other locations in New York State at http://www.vaccinefinder.org/.
According to a report issued today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is estimating 36 percent vaccine effectiveness against all strains of influenza this flu season. The report also shows that the flu vaccine is 59 percent effective among children aged 6 months to 8 years of age, the population targeted by Governor Cuomo's recent actions to expand vaccine access and availability. According to the CDC, vaccination should continue throughout flu season, as long as influenza viruses are circulating. Flu vaccine remains the best way to prevent illness and influenza complications, including those that can lead to hospitalization. Even when flu vaccine does not prevent illness, it still lessens the severity and shortens the duration of the flu.
Click here for the full announcement.
"As the number of flu cases continues to rise, I urge all New Yorkers to take every action to protect themselves and their loved ones from this epidemic," Governor Cuomo said. "We are doing everything we can to ensure the availability and affordability of the flu vaccine, and I encourage everyone to stay vigilant and get vaccinated."
Earlier this week, Governor Cuomo announced a 30-day budget amendment to increase convenience and vaccine accessibility by amending state education law allowing pharmacists to administer flu vaccines to children ages 2 to 18, thereby codifying Executive Order 176. As a result, this legislation will encourage pharmacies to enroll in the New York State Vaccines for Children Program, which provides vaccines to children and individuals regardless of their ability to pay. The Governor also called on individual physicians to enroll in the Vaccines for Children program, if not already enrolled.
Last week, Governor Cuomo directed the New York State Department of Health to authorize enhanced reimbursement for counties statewide to help fund expanded efforts to promote and increase access to flu vaccines statewide. This action builds on New York State's ongoing efforts to combat the flu epidemic.
The Department of Health's website links to each local health department providing the public a one-stop-shop approach to individual counties' expanded efforts. Additionally, the HealthMap Vaccine Finder also identifies locations where vaccines can be found at other locations in New York State at http://www.vaccinefinder.org/.
According to a report issued today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is estimating 36 percent vaccine effectiveness against all strains of influenza this flu season. The report also shows that the flu vaccine is 59 percent effective among children aged 6 months to 8 years of age, the population targeted by Governor Cuomo's recent actions to expand vaccine access and availability. According to the CDC, vaccination should continue throughout flu season, as long as influenza viruses are circulating. Flu vaccine remains the best way to prevent illness and influenza complications, including those that can lead to hospitalization. Even when flu vaccine does not prevent illness, it still lessens the severity and shortens the duration of the flu.
Click here for the full announcement.
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Source: Press Office Governor Andrew Cuomo
Source: Press Office Governor Andrew Cuomo
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