New York health officials are very worried about an "alarming increase" in children sick and hospitalized due to the Omicron variant.

On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a new campaign to increase vaccination rates among children five and older.

“The best protection for our kids is to ensure they get vaccinated and keep up with all recommended vaccine doses,” Hochul stated. “As COVID-19 continues to spread, the best armor for our children is the vaccine. It’s safe, effective, free, and over a half million children in New York between 5-11 years old have already gotten their first dose so far. With the #VaxForKids campaign, we are doubling down on our efforts to get this critical message out to even more parents and guardians."

Don Pollard
Don Pollard
loading...
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a new campaign to increase vaccination rates among children five and older.

According to Hochul, 91 percent of newly hospitalized children ages 5 to 11 are unvaccinated. In the most recent week, 54 percent of children admitted to hospitals had no comorbidities and 70 percent were symptomatic, officials say.

“Since the emergence of the Omicron variant, COVID-19 cases and even hospitalizations are rising among children. There has never been a more important time for pediatricians, parents, and guardians to ensure children five and older get vaccinated and stay up-to-date with all recommended doses. Vaccines have been the backbone of pediatric care for decades, protecting our children against countless diseases. The COVID-19 vaccine is no different," Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said.

Sasiistock
Sasiistock
loading...
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a new campaign to increase vaccination rates among children five and older.

This new campaign is urging pediatricians, parents, and guardians to help children get vaccinated and keep up with all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses.

Don Pollard
Don Pollard
loading...

"We are seeing an alarming increase in children sick and hospitalized due to the Omicron variant. Bassett says in a new PSA. "Vaccination is simply the best way to protect them."

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a new campaign to increase vaccination rates among children five and older.
Wavebreakmedia Ltd
Wavebreakmedia Ltd
loading...

The multifaceted #VaxForKids effort includes new marketing efforts to reach parents and guardians in English and Spanish. This includes advertising on television, radio, and digital – including search and streaming.

We are seeing an alarming increase in children sick and hospitalized due to the Omicron variant.
Sasiistock
Sasiistock
loading...

To accompany the communications program, new #VaxForKids pop-up sites will be established in communities statewide to administer first and second doses for children five and older as well as booster and additional doses for eligible children and adolescents. Locations and dates will be announced soon.

These Omicron COVID Symptoms May Lead to Hospitalizations in New York

Health officials say New Yorkers should be on a close lookout for a number of Omicron symptoms that likely means you need urgent medical care. 

Everything You Need To Know About New York's New Mask Rule

Where In The Hudson Valley To Find A COVID Test

New York ER Doctor Shares Shocking COVID Observations

A New York doctor breaks down how COVID affects the vaccinated, unvaccinated and boosted Empire State residents. 

These 104 Hudson Valley Towns Won't Sell Recreational Marijuana

Hudson Valley Towns Allowing the Sale of Marijuana

The following towns have voted to allow the sale of marijuana. This list is complete as of December 23, 2021. Municipalities have until 12/31 to finalize their decisions.

Snowfall Totals For Friday's Storm Across New York

Despite not much snow in the forecast, a number of local residents actually dealt with over one foot of "surprise" snow.

Winter Travel Tips in New York

Sneak Peek: World Class Axe Throwing Bar Coming to Hudson Valley, New York

Omicron Variant Dominating New York, Signs You May Have COVID

New York ER Doctor Shares Shocking COVID Observations

A New York doctor breaks down how COVID affects the vaccinated, unvaccinated and boosted Empire State residents. 

Hudson Valley Deli, Bakery & Café Forced To Close in New York

Food the Year You Were Born

LOOK: Food history from the year you were born

From product innovations to major recalls, Stacker researched what happened in food history every year since 1921, according to news and government sources.
 

The 26 Most Dangerous Counties in New York State

LOOK: Food history from the year you were born

From product innovations to major recalls, Stacker researched what happened in food history every year since 1921, according to news and government sources.
 

'Today'Star Enjoys Birthday in Hudson Valley With New York Celebs

New York Unveils New COVID Plan To Save Lives, Prevent Illness

New York State issued a number of new ideas in hopes of slowing the spread of COVID during the "Winter Surge."

How Much Do You Have To Make To Be Middle Class in New York?

20 Richest New York Zipcodes

Many New York Pizzerias Among Top 20 in America

17 New Laws in New York You Should Know

The New Year brings with it a host of new laws for Empire State residents. Here are nearly 20 that may impact you in 2022. 

Richest Towns in Each State

LOOK: Here is the richest town in each state

Just saying the names of these towns immediately conjures up images of grand mansions, luxury cars, and ritzy restaurants. Read on to see which town in your home state took the title of the richest location and which place had the highest median income in the country. Who knows—your hometown might even be on this list.

Over 50 New York Pizzerias Ranked by Barstool's Dave Portnoy

When it comes to amazing pizza you don't have to leave New York State. But where can you find the best slice?

20 Worst Places to Live in New York State

A list highlights the worst places a New York resident can call home. A number of places in the Hudson Valley made the list, including one that was ranked the worst place to live.

Barstool's Dave Portnoy Finally Reviews Pizza From Mid-Hudson Valley

Barstool's Dave Portnoy finally came to the Mid-Hudson Region to give a "One Bite Review" on what he was told is "great pizza" from the Mid-Hudson Valley. 

Potential Cancer-Causing Chemicals Found in New York Drinking Water

15 New York Towns Among Safest in America

Top 5 Best Places to Live in New York

carbongallery id="61a789b8ec80de256e553fbe" layout="list" title="Nearly a Dozen New York Supermarkets Forced to Close"]

Photos: Fire in Hudson Valley Destroys Historic New York Resort

Over 1 Foot of Surprise Snow Shocks Parts of Hudson Valley, New York State

Despite not much snow in the forecast, a number of local residents actually dealt with over one foot of "surprise" snow.

Bill Murray Stuns New York Fans By Showing Up At West Point

Unacceptable New York Roads Costing Drivers Insane Amount of Money

A study found a shocking amount of "unacceptable" roads in New York are costing residents a ton of money each year. The good news, that may change. Here's why.

40 High-Risk Hudson Valley Sex Offenders Recently Moved in New York State

Over 50 New York Pizzerias Ranked by Barstool's Dave Portnoy

When it comes to amazing pizza you don't have to leave New York State. But where can you find the best slice?

20 Worst Places to Live in New York State

A list highlights the worst places a New York resident can call home. A number of places in the Hudson Valley made the list, including one that was ranked the worst place to live.

Barstool's Dave Portnoy Finally Reviews Pizza From Mid-Hudson Valley

Barstool's Dave Portnoy finally came to the Mid-Hudson Region to give a "One Bite Review" on what he was told is "great pizza" from the Mid-Hudson Valley. 

Potential Cancer-Causing Chemicals Found in New York Drinking Water

The 26 Most Dangerous Counties in New York State

15 New York Towns Among Safest in America

Top 5 Best Places to Live in New York

Hudson Valley Says Goodbye To Over 80 Businesses

Nearly 70 Children Have Recently Gone Missing From New York State

Counties in New York With Most Vehicle vs. Animal Crashes

Over 30 Red Flags For Anyone Who Claims To Live in Hudson Valley, NY

Hudson Valley Welcomes Nearly 70 New Eateries

We've reported on many restaurant closings, now it's time to highlight nearly 70 businesses that have recently opened in the Hudson Valley.

5 New York Schools Districts Ranked in Top 10 in America

More From 94.3 Lite FM