NYS Declares Flu No Longer Prevalent

(April 29, 2025) On April 28, 2025, NYS Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald announced that flu is no longer prevalent in the state for the 2024-25 influenza season. The declaration lifts the masking requirement for health care workers who are not vaccinated against flu.

"As influenza season winds down and the flu virus is no longer prevalent in New York, we are lifting the longstanding masking requirement for health care workers in hospitals, nursing homes, and adult care facilities who chose not to get their annual flu shot," the Commissioner said. "However, as influenza continues to circulate, I recommend appropriate precautions, such as performing good hand hygiene and staying home from work or school if you are sick to prevent spreading illness."

The announcement is available here.

Contact: Amy Nelson, anelson@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8383 ext. 146