Gov. Cuomo has declared a statewide public health emergency to combat what’s already been a severe flu season.
“We are experiencing the worst flu season since at least 2009, and influenza activity in New York State is widespread, with cases reported in all 57 counties and all five boroughs of New York City,” Cuomo said.
He noted there have have already been 19,128 cases of influenza reported in New York this season, compared to a total of 4,404 positive laboratory tests that reported all of last season.
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The governor also issued an executive order allowing pharmacists to administer flu vaccinations to patients between six months and 18 years of age for the next 30 days.
Pharmacists had previously only been authorized to administer the vaccine to people who are 18 or older.