Cuomo declares health emergency for flu

ALBANY, N.Y. (WIVB) - Governor Cuomo has declared a Public Health Emergency for all of NYS in regards to this year’s severe flu season.

On Saturday, the Governor issued an Executive Order allowing pharmacists to administer flu vaccinations to patients between the ages of six months to 18-years-old.

This Order suspends for the next 30 days the section of State Education Law that limits the authority of pharmacists to administer immunizing agents only to individuals 18 years of age or older.

New Yorkers, who have yet to receive a flu shot, are strongly recommended to schedule one immediately. To this date, two NYS children and 18 children across the United States have died from this year’s flu season.

“We are experiencing the worst flu season since at least 2009, and influenza activity in New York State is widespread, with cases reported in all 57 counties and all five boroughs of New York City,” Governor Cuomo said. “Therefore, I have directed my Administration, the State Health Department and others to marshal all needed resources to address this public health emergency and remove all barriers to ensure that all New Yorkers - children and adults alike - have access to critically needed flu vaccines.”

DOH provides to health care facilities a web-based tool kit for influenza vaccination programs: www.health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/toolkits/ .

New Yorkers can find a local vaccine provider by visiting http://flushot.healthmap.org/ and entering their zip code. New Yorkers without internet access can call 1-800-522-5006 or through TTY access at 1-800-655-1789 to find a nearby provider.

For additional information about influenza, including statewide surveillance, visit the State Health Department website at: http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal/