
ALBANY, N.Y. - The State Health Commissioner is reminding and encouraging people to get their flu vaccination as the fall season gets underway.
Dr. Nirav Shah, New York's State Health Commissioner, received his flu shot Tuesday at the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center, where he also discussed the importance of getting vaccinated in an effort to stay healthy this flu season.
The Wadsworth Center Laboratory in Albany is where health professionals conduct tests to confirm cases of the flu in New York State and develop strategies to protect public health.
Federal health organizations, including the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, say this year's vaccine will protect against two strains of influenza type A and one of type B as the strains of influenza that are most likely to cause illness during flu season.
Flu season typically runs from October to May, with the virus hitting its peak around February and March.
The flu poses a more serious risk for people younger than 2-years-old or those over 50, and pregnant women. The State Health Department recommends that all children six months of age or older receive a flu vaccination.