COVID hospitalizations are on the rise in NYC. Here's how to protect yourself.

Key Points:

• COVID-related hospitalizations in New York City have risen to over 500 in the first week of September, marking the highest weekly admissions since October last year, with 12 COVID-related deaths reported during that period.
• Emergency department visits for RSV are increasing, while flu-related visits remain steady, prompting city and state health officials to urge vaccinations against flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
• Updated COVID vaccines approved by the FDA are recommended broadly by New York health officials for all adults, including pregnant individuals, and for children aged 6 months to 2 years, contrasting with the FDA’s narrower recommendation for people over 65 or with underlying conditions.
• Annual flu shots are recommended for everyone over 6 months old, and RSV vaccines are advised for older adults and infants, aligning with guidelines supported by major medical organizations.
• Vaccinations are widely accessible and covered by insurance and federal programs, with pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens allowing self-attestation for COVID vaccine eligibility without requiring proof of high-risk status.