New York Announces Emergency Flu

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Saturday (12/01/2013), declared health emergencies related to the flu epidemic which has infected more than 19,000 people. Conditions that would allow pharmacists to immunize infants and children.

Cuomo's move comes amid a national epidemic that is expected to last several weeks. Already there are at least 28,747 cases reported across the country this winter, and 20 children have died from the flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).


However, the actual number of cases is likely much higher because many sick people do not go to the doctor for a checkup.

With the hope of limiting the spread of a potentially deadly virus, Cuomo said it was important to suspend, for 30 days, a provision of law which usually only allow a pharmacist in New York provide flu vaccine for patients aged 18 years or older.