Flu hospitalizations are up more than 100% in just one week in NY. The numbers are a reminder that flu can be more than just a few miserable days at home. Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself against potentially serious illness. nysdoh.info/flu

In Sept., New Yorkers did not keep pace with last year’s flu shot numbers. In Oct., vaccinations were up & ahead of last year’s pace. Here's our strategy to keep things moving in the right direction: get your flu shot & keep serious illness at bay. Info: nysdoh.info/flu

Seasonal respiratory viruses are starting to circulate. You can prevent potentially serious illness from flu, COVID-19 and RSV by taking simple precautions and getting the safe and effective vaccine are the best places to start. Learn more: nysdoh.info/respviruses

Adults 50 and older are at risk of serious illness from RSV. There is a simple and effective vaccine that can prevent the infection from causing serious health problems for those most at risk. Watch my video and then read more about RSV: nysdoh.info/RSV

RSV can be particularly dangerous for infants. Press play to hear how an RSV infection affects babies and what you can do to protect them, including vaccination for baby and mom-to-be…and then learn more about RSV:
nysdoh.info/RSV

The DOH seasonal respiratory disease tracker is a snapshot of flu, RSV & COVID activity across NY. Check the situation in your area & make you & yours are protected by getting vaccinated against all three.
Tracker: nysdoh.info/respvirustrack…
Info: nysdoh.info/respviruses

Public health works best when research, community expertise & lived experience come together. Partnerships like the one we’ve built with @ualbany are advancing our mission for a healthier, more equitable future for New Yorkers. Press play to hear more…

Be sure to take all your unused & expired prescription medications to a drug collection site near you on Drug Take Back Day tomorrow--Sat. Oct. 24.
Don’t toss them in the trash--they can be accidentally ingested by kids or pets--and it’s harmful to the environment.

Delighted to announce a $26 million NYS investment in services provided by Binghamton General Hospital that will help transform and modernize emergency health services and enhance services for behavioral health.

My OpEd urging parents to remember that kids get one childhood to enjoy and applauding @GovKathyHochul’s bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions in classrooms is in Empire Report: nysdoh.info/UnpluggedOpEd

The main steel frame of the new Wadsworth Center is in place for the nation-leading public health lab that will enhance the State’s ability to prepare for and respond to public health crisis. I was delighted to be on site for the topping off…

Flu season is early! I rolled up my sleeve to ensure I am protected against serious illness. Vaccines, recommended for everyone 6 months & older, are the best way to do that. Get yours now at pharmacies & providers across New York. More info: nysdoh.info/VaccineFAQ

Don't think you qualify for discounts on your energy bills? I urge you to think again! Half of NYS households now qualify for the Energy Affordability Program. Press play to learn more and then sign up here: ny.gov/EAP

I was in Utica to discuss the Rural Community Health Integration initiative to help provide for the health and social needs of residents in the Oneida and Herkimer counties area, with funding support from CMS: medicaid.gov/resources-for-…

The MMR vaccine is the best protection – protecting nearly all people against disease who receive the recommended doses. I also ask health providers to be prepared to diagnose & treat any measles cases they encounter. Important info: nysdoh.info/MeaslesInfo

Tonight, in recognition of survivors and those fighting breast cancer, landmarks across NYS will glow pink. Honor them and take steps to protect your health by scheduling your mammogram. More info: nysdoh.info/ScreeningData

The Nor’easter that pummeled the eastern end of NY also wreaked havoc on blood supplies because of canceled drives & individual donations, resulting in blood expected but not collected & still needed. Make an appointment at @NYBloodCenter to save lives: bit.ly/4gyjNUZ

The Department is committed to ensuring the right to make personal reproductive health care choices, as well as access to contraception options, are protected in NYS. Find information about reproductive health: nysdoh.info/FamilyPlanning

I told @nysut’s Unplugged summit attendees that I am deeply concerned about children's digital diet. .@GovKathyHochul was very ahead of this. I think it's really important we got the cell phone ban.
Info about the phone-free schools law: nysdoh.info/PhoneFreeSchoo…

The success of the Healthcare Access Repayment Program is resulting in positive health outcomes for more & more New Yorkers, by providing significant financial incentives to healthcare pros who commit to 4 years of employment in high-need areas. Info: nysdoh.info/HEALR