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The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot as soon as possible. This is especially important for people considered at high risk for flu complications.

People at high risk for flu include:

  • Children between 6 months and 5 years old
  • People 50 years and older
  • Pregnant people (any trimester)
  • People with ongoing medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease

To avoid getting or spreading flu, also known as influenza, you should also:

  • Cover your coughs or sneezes using your sleeve or a tissue (not your bare hand).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. 
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people. 
  • Limit your contact with other people if you are running a fever with a cough or sore throat, and stay home from school or work for 24 hours after your fever is gone.

Get more information and resources about flu prevention.

The flu vaccine is widely available throughout the City.

You can find vaccine sites online, by text, or by phone.

You can also:

  • Visit your health care provider or an NYC Health + Hospitals clinic.
  • Check nearby locations, such as pharmacies. Pharmacies may vaccinate adults and children as young as 2 years of age.

Most health insurance plans cover flu vaccination without a copay. If you don't have insurance, you may be able to get the vaccine for free or low-cost, including at NYC H+H sites. Before you go, contact individual sites for more information about accepted insurance plans and payment options.

Online

Find flu vaccine locations.

By Text

Text 55676 and type "flu" for English or "gripe" for Spanish to find a place to get a flu shot.

By Phone

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for help.

 

 

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As of December 31, 2014, all children under the age of 5 years (6-59 months) are required to receive the flu shot if they attend a New York City regulated preschool or child care center.

The Department of Health is mandating the flu shot to address the high number of deaths in young children due to complications from the flu.

Your child may not be allowed to attend school either in person or remotely if they have not received the flu vaccine. 

You may be able to get a medical exemption if your child has a health condition where the vaccine may be harmful. Contact your child’s school or program to find out what is needed for this exemption. At this time, religious exemptions are not permitted for mandated vaccines.

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