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DOH Issues Advisory Extending Influenza Surveillance Season

On May 20th, the Department of Health (DOH) issued an Advisory notifying health care facilities and providers of the extension of the influenza surveillance season beyond May and providing updated influenza surveillance information, along with links and references to influenza prevention and control resources.

Per the Advisory:

Influenza Surveillance Summary

            NYSDOH conducts routine influenza surveillance each October through May. Influenza is unpredictable; and while it is not uncommon for influenza activity to extend into late spring, current activity remains elevated and widespread. Therefore, NYSDOH is extending the surveillance season beyond May until influenza activity has decreased.

. . .

During the week ending May 7, 2022, a total of 8,885 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza were reported in 56 of 57 New York State counties and in all five boroughs of New York City.

INFLUENZA VACCINE, TESTING AND ANTIVIRAL RECOMMENDATIONS

            All persons aged 6 months and older are eligible to be vaccinated. Influenza vaccine for the 2021- 22 season can be given through June 30, 2022. Providers should review the influenza testing and antiviral treatment recommendations provided by the Department earlier in the season (linked below). Influenza antiviral treatment decisions should not be delayed pending testing results, nor should they be made based solely upon the results.

Members are encouraged to read the Advisory in its entirety and contact Amy Nelson with any questions.

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