Ontario County Public Health

National Influenza Week (December 4-8, 2023) is coming to a close and flu cases are on the rise. On December 6, 2023, the New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald declared that influenza is now prevalent in New York State. You may notice some healthcare workers are wearing a mask. The NYSDOH declaration mandates that healthcare workers who have not received this year's flu vaccine wear masks in certain health care settings.

Consider adding a flu shot to your holiday activity list. It isn't too late to get a flu shot. Getting a flu shot now will allow your body two weeks to build flu antibodies. Area pharmacists have plenty of flu vaccine. If you are over 65- years-old speak with your doctor or pharmacist about High Dose flu vaccine. High Dose flu vaccine can help your immune system build a better response. Remember, babies 6 months and older need a flu shot too. Babies and kids under three years old often receive their flu vaccine at their healthcare provider office. Stay informed. New York State Department of Education monitors and updates positive influenza cases every week (Thursday). You can track the number of flu cases and stay informed and by visiting the NYSDOH Influenza Weekly Activity Report. (12/8/2023)

COVID-19 Hospitalizations are on the Rise

New York State and the Finger Lakes Region are now seeing an uptick in COVID related hospitalizations. The opening of schools and cooler weather increases the amount of time that people are gathered in a closed space. 

Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. The updated COVID-19 vaccine is available in local pharmacies. This vaccine is new CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter. Even if you received the past COVID vaccine and booster doses, you still need the updated COVID vaccine. Flu vaccine can be safely given/received at the same time as the updated COVID vaccine. 

To track the hospitalizations visit: New York State Department of Health: COVID 10 Hospitalizations

To find an updated COVID-19 vaccine: COVID-19 Vaccine Finder

Updated: 9/27/2023

2023 Choose Health Ontario Award

Church Member, Victor Nelson and the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church Wins the Choose Health Ontario Award!

Victor Nelson and the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Geneva are the winners of the 2023 Choose Health Ontario Award! Pastor Victor Nelson and the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Geneva worked tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Victor Nelson and the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church:

Provided education and promoted COVID-19 vaccine among parishioners and the Geneva community.
Graciously opened its doors to Public Health staff and hosted vaccination clinics for adults and children in the Geneva community between April of 2021 and June of 2022.
Leadership scheduled appointments for community members via the NY State Countermeasure Data Management System (CDMS).
Volunteers staffed the clinics, working elbow-to-elbow with public health staff and other county employees. They provided traffic control, check-in of vaccines, and post-vaccination observation. Their presence demonstrated to their community that vaccine was desirable and reassured them that it was safe.

A very special congratulations and thank you to church member, Victor Nelson and the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Their actions significantly increased vaccine uptake in the Geneva area.

The award is presented on behalf of the Ontario County Health Collaborative (OCHC) which consists of Ontario County Public Health, local healthcare systems, community agencies and healthy-minded volunteers. The OCHC work collaboratively to improve the health of Ontario County residents.

Food Insecurity in the Finger Lakes

A recent Food Insecurity Survey created by Pivital Public Health Partnership surveyed 1100 people residing in Ontario, Livingston, Yates, Wayne, Seneca, and other neighboring counties, Pivital Public Health Partnership discovered 61% of those households are unable to always keep food on the table. Please take a moment to watch the video and learn about food insecurity in the Finger Lakes. Want to help? Contact your local food pantry to volunteer in your community. (5/4/2023)


A community health improvement process uses Community Health Assessment (CHA) data to identify priority issues, develop and implement strategies for action, and establish accountability to ensure measurable health improvement, which are often outlined in the form of a community health improvement plan (CHIP). We can not complete the CHA process without YOU for responding to our Community Health Surveys. Thank you! Click the graphic to download our Community Improvement Plan!

A community health improvement process uses Community Health Assessment (CHA) data to identify priority issues, develop and implement strategies for action, and establish accountability to ensure measurable health improvement, which are often outlined in the form of a community health improvement plan (CHIP). We can not complete the CHA process without YOU for responding to our Community Health Surveys. Thank you!

Ontario County Public Health

What's New With Flu?

What Does A Rise in Flu Cases Mean to You?

COVID-19 Hospitalizations are on the Rise

2024 Rabies Prevention Clinic Schedule

Chronic Disease Self-Management Classes

Interested? Call 1-800-299-2995 or HealthEducation@ontariocountyny.gov

Family Health History Month

Wild Fire Survey

2023 Choose Health Ontario Award

Church Member, Victor Nelson and the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church Wins the Choose Health Ontario Award!

Food Insecurity in the Finger Lakes

General Info

Isolation & Quarantine

Information and NYSDOH Orders

Testing Info