NYC Health + Hospitals Advises New Yorkers to Receive Their Annual Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations
Vaccines for flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available at no cost for established patients at all of our hospitals and Gotham Health sites New Yorkers can call 844-NYC-4NYC to schedule an appointment and become patients with NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health or check online for walk in hours at our facilities
Oct 14, 2025
NYC Health + Hospitals today announced that the 2025–2026 updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are now available for patients at its hospitals and Gotham Health facilities across the city. All New Yorkers 6 months of age and older are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19. These vaccinations, as well as the RSV vaccine for eligible patients, can be administered at the same time and are a safe, effective way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community during respiratory virus season. Vaccinations are available at no cost to established patients at all NYC Health + Hospitals and Gotham Health sites. If you would like to schedule an appointment or become a patient with NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, please call 844-NYC-4NYC. You can also go here to see walk in hours at various NYC Health + Hospital and Gotham Health facilities. If you feel ill, stay home, and reach out to your primary provider or talk to a virtual ExpressCare provider by visiting ExpressCare.nyc or calling 631-397-2273.
The flu, or influenza, and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory infections that can cause severe illness and even death. Each year’s flu season is unpredictable, making annual vaccination the most reliable defense. COVID-19 continues to circulate, and updated vaccines provide the strongest protection against the most current strains. Many people at higher risk from flu are also at higher risk for severe disease from COVID-19.
Vaccine Updates for 2025-2026
An annual flu shot is advised in the United States for everyone six months of age and older who does not have a medical reason that prevents vaccination. All influenza vaccines available this season are trivalent and designed to guard against two influenza A strains and one influenza B strain. For adults aged 65 and older, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the use of an enhanced formulation flu vaccine due to their improved immunogenicity and effectiveness in this population. Pregnant people are also strongly encouraged to receive the flu vaccine, both to protect themselves and their infants. Importantly, people with a history of egg allergy may safely receive any age-appropriate flu vaccine. No extra safety measures are necessary.
The ACIP recommends that the updated COVID-19 vaccines be given on an individualized basis. Adults 65 and older are encouraged to make vaccination decisions in consultation with their healthcare provider. For people between 6 months and 64 years of age, vaccination should also be based on individual choice, with recognition that those at higher risk for severe disease — according to CDC-defined risk factors — stand to benefit the most. Non-patient specific standing orders for COVID-19 vaccines are again permitted this season, helping expand access across clinical settings. Medicaid in New York State and Medicare will cover the full cost of the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, and private insurers are expected to continue covering vaccination, as they have in previous years.
In addition, the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine remains available for people between age 60 and 74 years with additional risk factors, all people age 75 years and older and pregnant women between weeks 32 and 36 gestation.
“Vaccination remains one of the most important steps we can take to stay healthy and protect our loved ones during respiratory virus season,” said Andrew B. Wallach, MD, FACP, Chief Medical Officer for Ambulatory Care at NYC Health + Hospitals. “The updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and designed to protect against the strains we are most likely to see this year. Getting vaccinated is an act of self-care and community care, helping to keep you and those around you safe.”
“Now is the time to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 — both viruses continue to circulate, and we know immunity can fade over time,” said Syra Madad, DHSc, MSc, MCP, CHEP, Chief Biopreparedness Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals. “These updated vaccines offer strong protection, reduce the risk of severe illness, and give us greater confidence to gather with loved ones this fall and winter.”
Why is it so important to get both a flu and COVID-19 vaccine this year?
- The flu and COVID-19 vaccines have been updated since last year and provide enhanced protection against current variants circulating in our communities.
- Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations can reduce the risk of hospitalization and even death.
- Getting infected with the flu can be dangerous and may result in serious illness, hospitalization and even death. During the 2024-2025 flu season in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that the flu likely resulted in 47 – 82 million illnesses, 21-37 million medical visits, 610,000 – 1.3 million hospitalizations, and 27,000 – 130,000 deaths.
- COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease and can cause severe illness, hospitalization, and even death. In 2024, the CDC estimated that more than 380,000 people were hospitalized and more than 44,000 people died from COVID-19.
- Flu vaccination during pregnancy helps protect pregnant people from flu during and after pregnancy and helps protect their infants from flu in their first few months of life.
- Getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine can help protect pregnant people and their baby from serious illness from COVID-19.
- Vaccination against COVID-19 may prevent long-term side effects called Long COVID, which can include a range of symptoms that last for weeks, months, or even years after infection.
- Getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 may also protect the people closest to you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.
New Yorkers who would like to schedule an appointment or become patients with NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, can call 844-NYC-4NYC. Check here for a list of walk-in appointments available.
Watch a video message from Dr. Syra Madad explaining why it is important for New Yorkers to get their annual flu vaccine.
For additional information, read the health system’s facts on fighting the flu.
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About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlus health plan—all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 43,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.