New York City's flu season is far from over, according to health officials. The city has seen over 128,000 confirmed cases of the flu so far this season, with a record-breaking 32,000 in just one week in December. While hospitalizations have begun to decline, with 12,000 cases reported last week, officials are urging continued vigilance and caution.
"We're not out of the woods yet," said Dr. Morse, adding that flu season can be unpredictable and may extend into May. The city's renewed call for vaccination against the flu comes as the Trump administration has made changes to the CDC's childhood vaccination schedule, which have been met with concern from health officials.
The new guidelines prioritize flu shots for high-risk children or those whose parents have engaged in "shared clinical decision-making" with their doctors, a move that some experts fear could lead to widespread confusion and eroded confidence in vaccines. In New York State, however, school vaccination requirements remain unchanged, and healthcare providers are being directed to continue their existing immunization practices.
Despite the changes, health officials are emphasizing that everyone should get vaccinated against the flu. The current flu strain has developed mutations, but the updated flu shot remains effective in preventing serious complications and hospitalizations.
The CDC's new recommendation is seen as a step back by some, particularly in light of waning public confidence in vaccines. Dr. Morse called it "ill-considered" and warned that it could have deadly consequences nationwide. The move has been met with criticism from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which sees it as counterproductive.
With hospitalizations for the flu at a record high, two children having reportedly died from the virus this season, officials are urging parents to take action and get vaccinated. "It's not too late for New Yorkers to receive their flu vaccine," Dr. Morse said. The city is also seeing an uptick in flu cases among adults, with over 28,000 cases reported statewide last week.
The latest data suggests that the flu season may be starting to wind down, but officials caution that it could extend into May. With continued vigilance and vaccination efforts, New Yorkers can help bring an end to this year's flu season.
"We're not out of the woods yet," said Dr. Morse, adding that flu season can be unpredictable and may extend into May. The city's renewed call for vaccination against the flu comes as the Trump administration has made changes to the CDC's childhood vaccination schedule, which have been met with concern from health officials.
The new guidelines prioritize flu shots for high-risk children or those whose parents have engaged in "shared clinical decision-making" with their doctors, a move that some experts fear could lead to widespread confusion and eroded confidence in vaccines. In New York State, however, school vaccination requirements remain unchanged, and healthcare providers are being directed to continue their existing immunization practices.
Despite the changes, health officials are emphasizing that everyone should get vaccinated against the flu. The current flu strain has developed mutations, but the updated flu shot remains effective in preventing serious complications and hospitalizations.
The CDC's new recommendation is seen as a step back by some, particularly in light of waning public confidence in vaccines. Dr. Morse called it "ill-considered" and warned that it could have deadly consequences nationwide. The move has been met with criticism from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which sees it as counterproductive.
With hospitalizations for the flu at a record high, two children having reportedly died from the virus this season, officials are urging parents to take action and get vaccinated. "It's not too late for New Yorkers to receive their flu vaccine," Dr. Morse said. The city is also seeing an uptick in flu cases among adults, with over 28,000 cases reported statewide last week.
The latest data suggests that the flu season may be starting to wind down, but officials caution that it could extend into May. With continued vigilance and vaccination efforts, New Yorkers can help bring an end to this year's flu season.
. I mean, some of these kids are not even showing up to school, so if their parents aren't even taking them in for regular check-ups, why should they be forced to get vaccinated every year? It's like, come on, parents are adults too, can't you make your own decisions about what goes into your kid's body? 
i'm so worried about all those kids getting sick 
and now with the changes in vaccination schedule it's like they're trying to confuse everyone 
my fave doc is saying we're not out of the woods yet 
which means we need to stay on top of our game 
anyone who hasn't gotten vaccinated yet pls do it ASAP 
The numbers are crazy, over 128k cases so far... that's insane! 
The fact that two kids have died from the flu this season is just heartbreaking 
. We need to stay vigilant and take care of ourselves and our loved ones. Get vaccinated, stay safe! 
... vaccination is key here, no debate 
. You can't stress enough how important it is for everyone, especially high-risk kids & adults, to get vaccinated ASAP 
. Can't we just stick with what's proven to work? 
flu shots are like the best thing that can happen to us!!! 
and now this new guideline is just confusing everyone... like whats the point of it all??? 
IT'S LIKE THE VIRUS IS JUST BEGGING TO GET OUTED! 
ANYWAY, I THINK IT'S PRETTY SMART OF NEW YORK CITY TO KEEP PUSHING FOR VACCINATIONS, ESPECIALLY NOW THAT WE'VE GOT THIS STRAIN WITH MUTATIONS. 
over 128k cases so far! idk wot the CDC thinks with their new vaccine schedule changes tho 
like, shouldn't everyone just get vaccinated anyway? 
. Can we pls just prioritize public health over confusion & eroded vaccine confidence? 