State Department of Health Announces Launch of Annual Public Education Campaign to Encourage New Yorkers to Get Their Flu and COVID Shots This Fall

English and Spanish Language Ads Remind Adults and Parents of Children 6 Months and Older to Get Flu and COVID-19 Shots

Watch the English Advertisement Here and the Spanish Advertisement Here

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 8, 2022) - With children back in school and flu cases on the rise, the New York State Department of Health today announced the launch of its annual public education campaign, reminding adults and parents to get both flu and COVID-19 shots for themselves and children 6 months and older. The advertisements, which will run in both English and Spanish language, will begin Monday, October 10, 2022.

"This fall, we have a simple message to New Yorkers: get your shots," State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said. "We know that both flu and COVID-19 transmission will increase during the fall and winter seasons, and that both vaccines provide meaningful protection against getting very sick or being hospitalized. Vaccination for both flu and COVID-19 is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, and can be given during the same appointment. Everyone 12 and older should check whether it is time for a COVID booster. For those who are unsure where they are in their COVID-19 vaccination journey, talk to a health care provider or pharmacist who will help make sure you get the recommended doses."

The flu and COVID-19 are contagious, respiratory illnesses that have similar symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish between the two viral infections. Symptoms of both viruses can range from mild to severe, and may include a cough, fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Respiratory symptoms may be present without a fever, and some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea. Severe disease, which vaccination strongly helps to prevent, may include hospitalization or even death. To have protection against both flu and COVID-19, New Yorkers need a flu shot and to be updated with the recommended COVID-19 doses.

As flu is already considered widespread across the State, New Yorkers should get vaccinated as soon as they can, which may be earlier than prior years. The flu vaccine is available to those 6 months and older. People with chronic diseases such as those affecting the lungs and heart, young children, and pregnant people have a higher risk of developing serious complications, which could require hospitalization and result in death.

Both shots can be administered at the same time, including the updated COVID-19 bivalent booster, which is available for eligible New Yorkers 12 years and older. Flu and COVID-19 shots are widely available statewide. New Yorkers can schedule a nearby appointment for a flu shot at https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/, or a COVID-19 shot at vaccines.gov

The public campaign includes 15-second and 30-second videos in both English and Spanish. It will run online video, social media, search ads and some transit advertising.

The video is available in both English and Spanish here:

30-second English language version.

30-second Spanish language version.

Below is the 30-second video script:

  • Are you ready for flu season?
    With kids back in school, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we need to prepare for both flu and COVID this fall and winter.
    Protect yourself, your family, and community by getting both vaccines.
    Everyone should get a flu shot. And people six months and older should get a COVID vaccine, too.
    Talk to your healthcare provider about getting both flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

The Department also has resources to help you make informed decisions about these contagions and vaccines in general:

  • Information about the flu is available here, including fact sheets and other downloadable materials.
  • The COVID-19 website has resources for the public, schools, adult care facilities and medical laboratories.
  • Information about vaccine efficacy and safety can be found here.