Don’t Miss Out This Holiday Season, Stay Protected Against COVID-19, Flu, and RSV

Each Year, about 1,500 to 2,000 New Yorkers Die from Flu and Pneumonia and Over 900 Died from COVID-19 in 2024

December 15, 2025 — The NYC Health Department is launching a citywide media campaign this month to encourage New Yorkers to be healthy and safe this respiratory virus season so they Don’t Miss Out on time with friends and family during the holidays and the 2026 winter season. Each year, cases of flu and RSV rise in the fall and continue to circulate throughout winter and early spring, while COVID-19 cases may rise year-round. The launch of the campaign comes as early data indicates a more severe flu season due to the current strain circulating around and flu-related emergency room visits increased 22 percent in the week ending December 6, compared to the previous week.

The NYC Health Department is investing $1 million to remind New Yorkers of the numerous preventative measures people can take to help curb the spread of respiratory illnesses, so they can enjoy time with family and friends and keep doing the things they love. Running for about four weeks on digital, radio, and outdoor media, these promotional ads encourage New Yorkers to get vaccinated, stay home when sick, cover their coughs and sneezes, wear a mask, and wash their hands often.

“With flu cases skyrocketing in New York City, the launch of the Health Department’s ‘Don’t Miss Out’ respiratory virus season media campaign could not be more timely,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “We urge every New Yorker and their family to stay protected this season and get their updated vaccines. Additionally, if you or a loved one are feeling any flu-like symptoms, we urge you get tested, stay home, wear a mask, and avoid crowded spaces if you are unable to stay home.”

Less Sick Time. More Together Time.

COVID-19, flu, and RSV can cause serious illness and make you sick for days or even weeks. Each year, about 1,500 to 2,000 New Yorkers die of seasonal flu and pneumonia, which can develop as a complication of any of these three viruses. More than 900 people died from COVID-19 in New York City last year. The good news is that there are many ways New Yorkers can protect themselves this season. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you or someone in your household is sick, take precautions to reduce the chance of spread, such as:

• Get vaccinated.
• Wear a mask.
• Wash your hands often.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Frequently clean touched surfaces.
• Stay home when sick.

Additionally, it is not too late for New Yorkers to roll up their sleeves to protect themselves against COVID-19, flu, and RSV. All three vaccines ensure New Yorkers are protected against the worst outcomes from these viruses, like emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or even death.

The NYC Health Department recommends all New Yorkers 6 months and older should get this season’s flu and COVID-19 vaccine. Adults 75 and older, and those ages 50 –74 with certain chronic conditions or other risk factors, should also get an RSV vaccine, if they have not done so before. To protect the youngest New Yorkers, people who are pregnant should get the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, or their newborn should get an RSV monoclonal antibody.

COVID-19, flu, and RSV share many common symptoms, so it is important to get tested if you suspect you may have one of these illnesses, because diagnosis can impact treatment.

How to Stay Safe

Check with your health care provider to see if they are offering vaccinations. Vaccines are offered by hundreds of providers around the city, including pharmacies. New Yorkers can find a COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccine near them by using the City’s NYC Health Map. No cost options are available for people who are uninsured. To assess your eligibility for enrollment in health insurance, call 311.

New Yorkers can use the Health Department’s Respiratory Illness Data Page to access the data they need on COVID-19, flu, and RSV trends across the city. This page is updated every Thursday with the latest data for all three illnesses.

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MEDIA CONTACT: PressOffice@health.nyc.gov