The reported new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) cases are as follows: on an upward trend If you've had too many friends in New York City this month who skipped holiday parties because they weren't feeling well, you may be wondering where to get tested or vaccinated this season.
Although the situation has changed somewhat since the federal state of emergency regarding the coronavirus ended in May, free testing and vaccinations are still widely available, including vaccinations for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. is also rotating.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James MacDonald said in a pre-Christmas message that for the first time, New Yorkers are fortunate to have “three safe and effective vaccines that can protect against” these viruses. Stated.
It added: “If you have symptoms of illness, such as fever, cough, sore throat, or runny nose, please consider staying home or wearing a mask to avoid spreading the disease to your loved ones.” Ta.
New York City data on coronavirus cases has become less reliable as in-person testing for the virus declines. However, the trend line shows an increase in the number of cases reported this month; Increase in hospitalizationswhich mirror national data Tracked by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What is causing the recent surge in coronavirus infections?
Nationally, the recent coronavirus surge is being driven by the new variant JN.1, which was first detected in September. current account According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it occurs in an estimated 44% of cases.
In the Northeast, the numbers are even higher, with JN.1 accounting for an estimated 57% of cases.
The JN.1 variant appears to be more contagious or better able to evade the immune system than other circulating strains, but there is no evidence that it poses a significant risk to public health, the CDC said. update last week.
JN.1 is structurally similar to other recent strains, and the latest coronavirus vaccines should still be effective at protecting against the variant, the CDC added.
Where to get a free coronavirus test
With the prevalence of various respiratory illnesses, it can be difficult to tell without testing whether your fever or cough is actually caused by the new coronavirus.
Coverage may vary because health insurance companies are no longer required to provide free coronavirus testing to members after the federal state of emergency related to COVID-19 ended in May. There is.
However, the Biden administration updated the program in late November to allow households to order free home test kits through the USPS. To get 4 free tests, Please fill out this form online.
New York City is also distributing free home tests at the following locations: Sites found Across the five boroughs.
Your at-home test may be usable past the expiration date listed on the box.US Food and Drug Administration Manage the list of extended expiration dates Guidance on the use of various home tests.
Who should get vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus?
The rollout of coronavirus vaccines has been slow so far this season. Only about 18% of adults have received the latest version of the coronavirus vaccine since it was approved by the FDA in September. CDC reported People 75 and older are most likely to be vaccinated.
Earlier this month, the CDC advised health care providers to “Urgent task” aims to increase vaccination rates against coronavirus, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, noting that vaccination may reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
CDC It is recommended Everyone over 6 months of age should get this year's flu vaccine and the latest coronavirus vaccine.
The respiratory syncytial virus vaccine is currently only recommended for older adults, pregnant women, and infants. The CDC recommends that people 60 and older talk to their doctor about whether to get vaccinated against RSV.
How to get vaccinated against the new coronavirus, influenza, and RSV
Although it is often possible to discontinue multiple vaccines at once, A study was found It is said that administering the influenza and coronavirus vaccines at the same time increases the possibility of temporary side effects such as headaches and fatigue. Big-box pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are offering COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines, as are many smaller pharmacies and health care providers.
In New York City, searchable list We have listed the locations of pharmacies and clinics where you can receive vaccinations against the new coronavirus and influenza. However, it may be wise to call ahead.federal government A searchable list is also available at vaccines.gov.. New Jersey has listed local vaccination events at the following locations: covid19.nj.gov.
In most cases, health insurance includes: necessary to cover All three vaccines are provided free to members as part of their routine preventive care.
federal government bridge access program is designed to give uninsured people access to the latest coronavirus vaccines for free. But New Yorkers may need to remind their pharmacies about the program. Gothamist reported in September that some pharmacies were charging for vaccines that were supposed to be free.
When to stay home from school
The New York City Department of Education has announced that if a public school child tests positive for COVID-19, you should stay at home At least 5 days after the first symptoms began. The ministry also recommends that children with medical conditions that put them at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 wear masks in indoor crowded spaces, and recently It is recommended that people who have been exposed to someone infected with the virus wear a mask.
The Ministry of Education also recommends that children be vaccinated against the coronavirus and influenza, and that they should generally stay home if they are sick.
