Flu (influenza) is a seasonal upper airway and lung infection that causes fever and a cough or sore throat. It is most common during the fall and winter months between September through May.

The flu vaccine is widely available throughout the City during flu season.

You can find vaccine sites online, by text, or by phone.

You can also:

• Visit your health care provider or an NYC Health + Hospitals clinic.
• Check nearby locations, such as pharmacies. Pharmacies may vaccinate adults and children as young as 2 years of age.

Most health insurance plans cover flu vaccination without a copay. If you don't have insurance, you may be able to get the vaccine for free or low-cost, including at NYC H+H sites. Before you go, contact individual sites for more information about accepted insurance plans and payment options.

Online

Find flu vaccine locations.

As of December 31, 2014, all children under the age of 5 years (6-59 months) are required to receive the flu shot if they attend a New York City regulated preschool or child care center.

The Department of Health is mandating the flu shot to address the high number of deaths in young children due to complications from the flu.

Your child may not be allowed to attend school either in person or remotely if they have not received the flu vaccine. 

You may be able to get a medical exemption if your child has a health condition where the vaccine may be harmful. Contact your child’s school or program to find out what is needed for this exemption. At this time, religious exemptions are not permitted for mandated vaccines.