NEW YORK — As this new college yr will get underway, Gov. Kathy Hochul needs to verify college students are wholesome and protected. That is why she signed an government order Wednesday increasing entry to the COVID-19 vaccine.
With the governor and well being commissioner’s signatures New Yorkers can get the shot at any pharmacy with no prescription. The governor mentioned most insurance coverage will cowl the price of COVID-19 vaccines, however those that are uninsured can get free pictures at taking part group well being facilities or native well being departments. To seek out the place to get vaccinated in your space, go to vaccines.gov.
New COVID vaccine for 2024-2025 season now out there
The new COVID vaccine for the 2024-2025 season is now out there within the state.
“Proper now, the dominant subvariant is KP.2, which is identical one which’s within the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine, so the vaccine seems well-matched,” New York State Well being Commissioner Dr. James McDonald mentioned.
McDonald mentioned vaccines cut back infections and hospitalizations.
“There was 3,500 New Yorkers who handed away associated to COVID final yr. I do not ever need to get used to that. There was slightly over 73,000 New Yorkers who had a COVID-related hospitalization, and our vaccine numbers, slightly over 12%,” McDonald mentioned.
Gov. Kathy Hochul encourages getting vaccinated in opposition to COVID
As college students return to the classroom and respiratory sickness season begins, Hochul is encouraging vaccination.
The state tracks COVID by way of wastewater surveillance and says proper now, instances are down from {the summertime} spike.
“We do are inclined to see, when the climate modifications, a seasonal uptick in sicknesses like flu and COVID-19,” Hochul mentioned.
The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention recommends everybody ages 6 months and older get the COVID vaccine, particularly these over 65.
The selection to get kids vaccinated nonetheless has dad and mom in New York cut up.
“They do not should be vaccinated they usually will not be,” Higher East Aspect resident Devora Wilhelm mentioned.
“Our daughter, in addition to our household, is vaccinated, so we, after all, need to keep wholesome,” Higher West Aspect resident Akshay Shekher mentioned.
