New Yorkers aren’t rushing to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine ahead of this year’s holiday and respiratory illness season, the state Health Department said Tuesday.
The number of vaccinations in 2025 ahead of Thanksgiving in New York is down nearly 30% compared to the same period in 2024, according to the state DOH. Approximately 850,000 doses have been administered statewide since Aug. 29, compared to about 1.2 million doses last year.
Doses given to adults 65 and older, whom the department says face the highest risk of severe illness and death from COVID, decreased nearly 25% during the same period, according to department data.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said 2,775 New Yorkers died from COVID-related illnesses last year compared to 766 flu-related deaths; and more than 50,000 New Yorkers were hospitalized related to COVID, compared to over 21,000 related to flu.
“COVID was more serious than flu and I expect will be the same this year as well,” McDonald said in a statement. “Vaccination remains the best protection against serious illness and death from COVID.”
Most vaccinations are being administered in pharmacies this year. Children under 3 cannot receive COVID vaccines at pharmacies and should contact a health care provider.