The state Health Department is kicking up efforts to get New Yorkers protected against contagious respiratory infections before the holiday season as apathy grows to get an updated COVID-19 shot.

Influenza and COVID-19 infections peak in New York around New Years Eve, state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. He was vaccinated for both illnesses at the same time last week to avoid severe illness this winter. 

About 3,500 New Yorkers died from serious coronavirus complications last year.

"That would be the same as 10 [Boeing] 747s crashing in New York state," McDonald said. "We'd never be numb to that."

Health department data shows 8.9% of New Yorkers have been vaccinated for the flu as of late last week, compared to 4.5% for this season's COVID shot.

Tompkins County in the Finger Lakes has the highest COVID vaccination rate at 9.5%, compared to the lowest in Sullivan County at 2.3%. 

But the health commissioner said it's still early, adding it's safe to get both vaccines at the same time and in the same arm. 

McDonald has issued standing orders allowing all New Yorkers over 6 months of age to get vaccinated for COVID, and says this season's shot is well-matched to the current Omicron subvariant.

The seasonal flu vaccine is available to everyone over age 2 at pharmacies without a prescription for three strains of the virus. A higher dose is given to people over 65.

But vaccine hesitancy remains prevalent among minority groups and in poor, urban or rural areas where misinformation spreads the fastest.

"Make sure you're listening to an expert," McDonald said. "A lot of people who purport to be experts in vaccines really are pushing an agenda. I'm the state health commissioner. I have nothing to sell you. My only objective is to keep you healthy."

The state Association for Rural Health is running a special national campaign with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to raise awareness about flu, COVID and RSV vaccines reducing the risk of serious illness — especially in older adults, people with chronic illnesses, residents of long-term care and pregnant people.

“Vaccines are long proven to be a safe and effective way to prevent communicable diseases," state Association of County Health Officials Executive Director Sarah Ravenhall. "We encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of the vaccines recommended by their physicians to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe.”