With flu season in full swing, having spread to around 47states, Governor Cuomo has declared New York to be in a “state of emergency” over dwindling supplies of the flu vaccine. Pharmacies like CVS, Rite Aid and others are seeing their stock of the flu vaccine (both the typical, syringe-based and inhalation-based versions) flying off the shelves as the flu virus continues its rampage across the United States. This news comes after a significant rise in hospital admissions over the past week.
A 55 percent increase in hospital admissions of any form of illness is troubling, however; in this case, the flu is to blame. Governor Cuomo cited this flu season as the worst in four years, with 57 counties statewide and all five boroughs of Manhattan attributing to the near-20, 000 cases thus far. An executive order issued by Governor Cuomo allows pharmacists to administer the flu vaccine to children from six months old to 18 years of age. Previously, one had to be 18 years or older in order to receive a flu vaccine.
Governor Cuomo stated that it was important to "remove all barriers to ensure that all New Yorkers — children and adults alike — have access to critically needed flu vaccines."
While the flu vaccine isn’t a guarantee against sickness, some cite that around 62 percent of those inoculated will not suffer from the flu this season. While there is no significant difference between the flu shot or the nasal mist delivery systems, individuals are encouraged to seek out flu vaccination immediately in order to prevent the spread of the virus this season.
