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The New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) is urging residents to get their COVID-19 vaccinations as the holiday season approaches. Vaccination rates have dropped significantly compared to last year, with approximately 850,000 doses administered since August 29, a nearly 30 percent decrease from the same period in 2024. Adults aged 65 and older, who are at the highest risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19, have also seen a 25 percent decrease in vaccination rates.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasized the importance of vaccination, noting that COVID-19 had a more significant impact than the flu in 2024, with nearly four times as many deaths. "Vaccination remains the best protection against serious illness and death from COVID," Dr. McDonald stated.
Governor Kathy Hochul extended an Executive Order on October 3, 2025, to ensure that all New Yorkers can easily receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription, despite recent federal restrictions. The NYS DOH encourages everyone, including pregnant individuals, to get vaccinated. Most vaccinations are being administered in pharmacies, although children under three should visit healthcare providers for their shots.
For more information on where to get vaccinated, residents can visit vaccines.gov.