Following Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive order to increase influenza vaccine accessibility for children and families in New York state, Wegmans Pharmacy is now offering pediatric flu shots for children age five and older with no appointment or prescription necessary.

Adult flu shots and high-dose shots for seniors are also available.

“As influenza continues to be widespread across New York, we encourage our customers to take advantage of the expanded accessibility of the vaccine for themselves and their families,” said Katie Niles, Wegmans pharmacist and pharmacy clinical wellness services manager. “Receiving protection from the flu is as easy as stopping by one of our pharmacies during normal business hours for a flu shot; no need for a prescription or appointment, and in most cases, the fee is covered in full by insurance.”

Influenza has been particularly rampant in New York this year, with 52,567 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza since Feb. 3, including 11,802 hospitalizations, and three pediatric flu-related deaths. To continuously improve prevention of seasonal flu, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu shot every year. Since signed last month, the executive order has resulted in more than 5,400 children receiving the flu vaccination in pharmacies.

In addition to getting vaccinated, the state Department of health recommends the following good-hygiene practices to stop the spread of the flu:

¯ Influenza is easily killed by soap and hot water. Wash your hands often with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds to protect yourself from germs and avoid spreading them to others.

¯ Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to use when soap and water are not available. Choose a product with at least 60 percent alcohol.

¯ Do not cough or sneeze into your hands. Instead, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

Wegmans Pharmacy can fill Tamiflu prescriptions for those impacted by the flu. Pharmacists are available to speak with customers and answer questions about influenza vaccinations, available antiviral drugs, and insurance policy coverage. For Wegmans Pharmacy locations and hours, visit wegmans.com/stores.