Vaccines for flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available at no cost for established patients at all of our hospitals and Gotham Health sites.
Our Bureau
New York, NY
NYC Health + Hospitals have announced that the 2025–2026 updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are now available for patients at its hospitals and Gotham Health facilities across the city. All New Yorkers 6 months of age and older are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19. These vaccinations, as well as the RSV vaccine for eligible patients, can be administered at the same time and are a safe, effective way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community during respiratory virus season. Vaccinations are available at no cost to established patients at all NYC Health + Hospitals and Gotham Health sites. If you would like to schedule an appointment or become a patient with NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, please call 844-NYC-4NYC. You can also go here to see walk in hours at various NYC Health + Hospital and Gotham Health facilities. If you feel ill, stay home, and reach out to your primary provider or talk to a virtual ExpressCare provider by visiting ExpressCare.nyc or calling 631-397-2273.
The flu, or influenza, and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory infections that can cause severe illness and even death. Each year’s flu season is unpredictable, making annual vaccination the most reliable defense. COVID-19 continues to circulate, and updated vaccines provide the strongest protection against the most current strains. Many people at higher risk from flu are also at higher risk for severe disease from COVID-19.
Vaccine Updates for 2025-2026
An annual flu shot is advised in the United States for everyone six months of age and older who does not have a medical reason that prevents vaccination. All influenza vaccines available this season are trivalent and designed to guard against two influenza A strains and one influenza B strain. For adults aged 65 and older, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the use of an enhanced formulation flu vaccine due to their improved immunogenicity and effectiveness in this population. Pregnant people are also strongly encouraged to receive the flu vaccine, both to protect themselves and their infants. Importantly, people with a history of egg allergy may safely receive any age-appropriate flu vaccine. No extra safety measures are necessary.
The ACIP recommends that the updated COVID-19 vaccines be given on an individualized basis. Adults 65 and older are encouraged to make vaccination decisions in consultation with their healthcare provider. For people between 6 months and 64 years of age, vaccination should also be based on individual choice, with recognition that those at higher risk for severe disease — according to CDC-defined risk factors — stand to benefit the most. Non-patient specific standing orders for COVID-19 vaccines are again permitted this season, helping expand access across clinical settings. Medicaid in New York State and Medicare will cover the full cost of the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, and private insurers are expected to continue covering vaccination, as they have in previous years.
In addition, the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine remains available for people between age 60 and 74 years with additional risk factors, all people age 75 years and older and pregnant women between weeks 32 and 36 gestation.
“Vaccination remains one of the most important steps we can take to stay healthy and protect our loved ones during respiratory virus season,” said Andrew B. Wallach, MD, FACP, Chief Medical Officer for Ambulatory Care at NYC Health + Hospitals. “The updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and designed to protect against the strains we are most likely to see this year. Getting vaccinated is an act of self-care and community care, helping to keep you and those around you safe.”
“Now is the time to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 — both viruses continue to circulate, and we know immunity can fade over time,” said Syra Madad, DHSc, MSc, MCP, CHEP, Chief Biopreparedness Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals. “These updated vaccines offer strong protection, reduce the risk of severe illness, and give us greater confidence to gather with loved ones this fall and winter.”
Why is it so important to get both a flu and COVID-19 vaccine this year?
The flu and COVID-19 vaccines have been updated since last year and provide enhanced protection against current variants circulating in our communities.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations can reduce the risk of hospitalization and even death.
Getting infected with the flu can be dangerous and may result in serious illness, hospitalization and even death. During the 2024-2025 flu season in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that the flu likely resulted in 47 – 82 million illnesses, 21-37 million medical visits, 610,000 – 1.3 million hospitalizations, and 27,000 – 130,000 deaths.
