See It: De Blasio Gets Flu Shot To Promote Jabs

NEW YORK CITY — Mayor Bill de Blasio yet again rolled up his sleeve to get a vaccine shot.

No, it wasn't a coronavirus vaccine booster shot — Hizzoner got his flu shot Thursday in an effort to encourage New Yorkers to do the same.

The shot is easy, fast, safe, effective, he said.

"Everyone needs a flu shot," de Blasio said. "Really particularly important if you're medically vulnerable or if you happen to be older, but 'Zoomers' need it too."

.@NYCHealthCommr Chokshi administers @NYCMayor’s flu shot during today’s morning press conference.

Tune in now: https://t.co/Lbum1yh3MT pic.twitter.com/JLAa6dlijw
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) September 30, 2021

Health officials in 2020 worried a bad flu season on top of the pandemic would overwhelm hospitals. But social distancing and other measures to fight COVID-19 helped keep influenza strains from spreading.

Data shows just 1,405 influenza cases in New York City during last flu season. There were 74,768 flu cases in the city during the 2019-2020 season, according to state health data.

Flu vaccines may have had an impact as well.

De Blasio said 35 percent more New Yorkers came out for the flu shot in 2020, than in 2019.

He also joked it's a painless process after Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi gave him his shot.

“When are you going to give the shot? I’m waiting,” he joked.

New Yorkers can find places that offer flu shots by visiting vaccinefinder.nyc.gov and selecting "Flu" on the top tab.