The state Department of Health declared influenza prevalent in New York, meaning health-care workers who are not vaccinated against influenza must now wear masks when they are in contact with patients, Gannett Albany reports.
Flu shots are a safe and effective way to reduce your risk for infection during flu season and I urge all New Yorkers to get one," said Health Commissioner Howard Zucker in a statement. "Unfortunately, not all health care workers choose to get vaccinated.
"By requiring those who are not vaccinated to wear masks while around patients, we're doing all we can to protect the most vulnerable, like the sick and the elderly."
The state Health Department said that while, "this year's vaccine is not well matched against one of the types of flu viruses (H3N2) circulating this season, it still provides protection against several of the viruses that are spreading this year."
For additional information about influenza, visit the Department of Health website.
