Long Island’s vaccination rates for flu, COVID-19, and RSV have plummeted below the national average amid a surge in cases during the holiday season.
According to data from New York State and the CDC, as of last week, only 6% of people in Nassau County were vaccinated against COVID-19, compared to the national average of 20%. Similarly, flu vaccination rates in Nassau and Suffolk counties are at 22%, lower than the national rate of 38%.
Experts attribute the decline to vaccine hesitancy and fatigue after the pandemic. “I’m very concerned that the flu vaccine rate has dropped,” said Dr. Marc Lashley of Valley Stream Pediatrics.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a significant increase in RSV cases, particularly among children on Long Island. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets and can cause serious illness, especially in young children.
While there is no RSV vaccine for school-age children, an injectable antibody can prevent the virus immediately. However, doctors are warning that even with this treatment, families can still be at risk of transmission during the holiday travel season.
“The next few weeks will be critical,” said Dr. Sharon Nachman of Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. “For the next few weeks, they’re going to be sharing that RSV with all their family members.”
Source: https://abc7ny.com/post/hospitals-new-york-jersey-urging-patients-staff-mask-amid-spike-covid-flu-rsv-infections/15673719