State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald received both the COVID and seasonal influenza vaccines at Lindsay Drug Co. in Troy, New York, and urged eligible residents to do the same before the respiratory illness season begins.
“As we head into respiratory season and the upcoming holidays, I encourage all eligible New Yorkers, and especially those who are more vulnerable, to protect their health by receiving their COVID and seasonal influenza vaccines,” said Dr. McDonald. “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s recent Executive Order, you can now stop by your local pharmacy to get vaccinated without a separate prescription from your doctor. Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death.”
A recent Executive Order signed by Governor Kathy Hochul enables pharmacists across New York State to administer COVID vaccines to individuals aged three years and older without requiring a prescription from a physician. The Department of Health recommends that individuals call ahead to pharmacies to confirm vaccine availability.
Additionally, standing orders issued by Commissioner McDonald allow eligible people to receive both COVID and RSV vaccines at any pharmacy without needing a separate doctor’s prescription. The flu vaccine is available at participating pharmacies for those over two years old without a prescription; children as young as six months can be vaccinated against influenza at healthcare providers’ offices.
New York State has released updated 2025–2026 COVID vaccine guidance recommending vaccination for children aged six months through 18 years, adults, and people at higher risk such as those who are pregnant or immunocompromised. This guidance aligns with recommendations from other Northeastern states and municipalities in the Northeast Public Health Collaborative—including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, and New York City—as well as national organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Most private insurance plans—along with Medicare and Medicaid—cover flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines with no out-of-pocket costs when received at an in-network provider or pharmacy under provisions of the Affordable Care Act. Uninsured individuals or those whose insurance does not cover updated vaccines can access free shots through community health centers or local health departments participating in the state’s Vaccines for Adults program.
Flu season generally spans October through May with peak activity between December and February. Receiving both flu and COVID vaccinations remains one of the best ways to reduce infection risk for all age groups; it is considered safe to receive both vaccines simultaneously.
Influenza, RSV, and COVID are contagious respiratory viruses with similar symptoms that can complicate diagnosis. People with chronic health conditions affecting organs such as lungs or heart; young children; elderly populations; pregnant persons; or anyone with compromised immune systems face higher risks for severe complications from these illnesses.
Further information on each vaccine can be found on dedicated pages about COVID, influenza, RSV, as well as details on vaccine safety.
