Overview
- Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said influenza is showing early signs of decline but remains at very high levels, warning New Yorkers not to let up.
- More than 128,000 city residents have tested positive for flu so far this season, outpacing the same point in the past two seasons, according to health officials.
- State data recorded a weekly high of 4,546 flu hospitalizations in the last week of December, and two pediatric deaths have been reported this season.
- City officials rejected the Trump administration’s CDC schedule change that deprioritized flu shots for some children, while state officials told providers to continue current practices and affirmed school requirements remain unchanged.
- Officials reported a 6% drop in childhood flu vaccination and emphasized the updated shot still prevents serious complications, noting the season could extend into May and that new state data are expected Friday.