The New York City Health Department Recommends that All New Yorkers Get Updated Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines for This Respiratory Virus Season
Updated Flu and COVID-19 vaccines protect against the strains of the viruses we predict will spread this season and are available to all New Yorkers 6 months and older
Older adults and pregnant people should also get the RSV vaccine if they have not done so before
October 20, 2025 — Respiratory virus season is here, and the New York City Health Department (NYC Health Department) is urging New Yorkers to roll up their sleeves to protect themselves against the flu, COVID-19, and RSV. This season’s updated vaccines will protect against the strains of the virus predicted so spread this season and ensure New Yorkers are protected against the worst outcomes of all three viruses, like emergency room visits, hospitalizations or even death
Respiratory virus season starts in the fall and lasts throughout the winter and into the spring. As part of this year’s season, the NYC Health Department is launching the Respiratory Illness Data Portal that provides New Yorkers the data they need on flu, COVID-19, and RSV trends across the city. This portal will be updated every Thursday with the latest data for all three illnesses.
“Respiratory virus season is here which means it’s time for New Yorkers to get your vaccines.” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “I want every New Yorker, their families, and their communities to be protected and safe this fall and winter.”
Flu Vaccine Guidance
All New Yorkers 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine this fall. New Yorkers 50 and older, children younger than 5 years, those with certain underlying conditions and pregnant people are at particular risk of serious outcomes from the flu. Every year, about 1,500 to 2,000 New Yorkers die of seasonal flu and pneumonia, which can develop as a complication of the flu. Flu vaccine lowers the risk of hospitalization and death due to flu.
Since flu activity can be unpredictable and flu viruses can be found year-round, people are recommended to get the vaccine in September or October, though it is never too late to be vaccinated as long as flu is circulating.
COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance
The NYC Health Department recommends that all New Yorkers aged 6 months and older get the COVID-19 vaccine. All New Yorkers will benefit from the vaccine, and those who are 65 years of age or older, 6 to 23 months old, have underlying conditions that put them at risk for severe disease, or are pregnant will benefit even more.
The updated 2025 – 2026 COVID-19 vaccines are designed to be more effective at protecting against the variants that are currently circulating. Vaccination against COVID-19 remains the best defense to prevent severe COVID-19. There is no new data that raises any concerns about the safety of the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
RSV Vaccine Guidance
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 infant should get an RSV monoclonal antibody.
How to Get Vaccinated & 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 flu, COVID-19, 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.
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 as diagnosis can impact treatment. Wearing a mask, practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding crowded spaces, and staying home when sick are important ways to stay safe and protect others during the respiratory virus season.
###
#049-25
MEDIA CONTACT: PressOffice@health.nyc.gov