NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- New data released on Wednesday from the city's Health Department revealed that the number of New Yorkers getting flu shots has surged this year amid the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the report, adults who received the flu vaccine increased by 189,017 residents or 37 percent from July 1 through Oct. 24 this year compared to last year.
Children age 6 months to 18 who’ve been vaccinated increased by 105,881 or 27 percent.
Adults over 50 years of age, pregnant people, children 6 months to 5 years old, and people with underlying conditions are encouraged by city health officials to get vaccinated.
During the pandemic, the Health Department launched a public and media awareness campaign to boost flu vaccination rates.
"This promising progress is only possible because New Yorkers are looking out for one another and doing the right thing by getting their flu vaccines," Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi said.
“This year could be the most important flu vaccine you ever get," Chokshi added. "Now is the perfect time to get the vaccine if you haven’t yet. Our friends, families and neighbors are counting on all of us to help keep each other safe.”
Flu season tends to uptick in the late fall and lasts throughout the spring with February generally being the peak month.