As flu season approaches next month, New York state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald is urging all New Yorkers to get both flu and COVID-19 vaccines, even as federal guidance on vaccinations faces increasing skepticism.

Last flu season saw a significant spike in cases, with more than 430,000 reported by early March, up from about 320,000 the previous year.

“Right now, I think people should be focusing on the state health department and less on the federal partners,” McDonald said, noting that while federal agencies were once trusted sources, “right now, lot of skepticism there.”

McDonald said New York also has the authority to set its own vaccine recommendations.

“When you think about vaccine requirements, for example, that's a state law and state decisions. And really, when you

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