Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
Update on 2012-2013 Flu Season
All people 6 months and older are recommended to receive an influenza vaccination each year. The 2012-2013 flu vaccine will protect against three different flu viruses: an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus.
Children aged 6 months through 8 years of age who have never received a seasonal flu vaccine need to get two doses of vaccine spaced at least 4 weeks apart. This season, other children in this age group may need two doses as well.
Certain people are at "high risk" of serious complications from seasonal influenza. These include people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions.
The best time to get vaccinated is as soon as the vaccine is available. You can still get a flu shot or the flu spray vaccine through the fall, winter or spring, since flu season usually peaks in February but continues through May. Many physicians' offices and pharmacies have received supplies of flu vaccine. Individuals who lack health insurance should contact their county health department to inquire about free flu vaccine clinics.
Information for the Public
- Influenza Activity, Surveillance and Reports
- What everyone should know about seasonal flu and seasonal flu vaccine
- Flu clinics offered by local county health departments
- Influenza de temporada (gripe), Seasonal influenza (flu) in Spanish, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Information for Providers
- Health Advisory for Pharmacists, Update #1: Guidance for Pharmacists to Facilitate Influenza Vaccination of Children Ages Six Months to 18 Years (PDF, 332KB)
- Dear Provider Letter: Thimerosal Waiver - January 12, 2013
- Governor Cuomo Declares State Public Health Emergency in Response to Severe Flu Season Allowing Pharmacists to Vaccinate Children
- Immunize NY! Seasonal Influenza 2012-2013 Special Edition Late Fall 2012: Volume 4, Issue 6 (PDF)
- Pre-book Influenza Vaccine for the 2013-2014 Season (PDF, 146KB, 1pg)
- Additional Information for Providers
- 2012-2013 Influenza Seasonal Vaccine Supply Determination as Required by Public Health Law 2112 Limiting Thimerosal
What's Your Flu IQ?
Media
News
- Governor Cuomo Declares State Public Health Emergency in Response to Severe Flu Season
- Dear Colleague Letter: Importance of Influenza Vaccination for All Health Care Personnel (HCP)
- Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) — United States, 2012–13 Influenza Season
- 2012-2013 Updated ACIP Recommendation for the Second Dose of Influenza Vaccine in Children 6 months through 8 years of Age
- What You Should Know for the 2012-2013 Influenza Season
- Vaccine Virus Selection for the 2012-2013 Influenza Season