Hochul Extends Measles Emergency Through December 4
Governor Kathy Hochul's extended disaster declaration follows the death of an unvaccinated child in Lewis County, the state's first measles death in over 30 years.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in COVID-19
Governor Kathy Hochul has extended New York's statewide measles disaster emergency declaration through December 4. The extension follows the death of an unvaccinated child in Lewis County, the first measles-related death in New York in over 30 years.
Why it matters
Measles has spread through some rural communities in New York, and the state reports that almost 20% of children outside New York City did not receive a first measles shot by age 2. The emergency declaration is intended to expand access to vaccination.
As of Halloween, 210 measles cases had been recorded across 26 counties, with Seneca County leading the state at 48 cases. Yates and Jefferson Counties show the lowest pediatric vaccination rates, with over 40% of children under 2 lacking a first dose.
The players
Kathy Hochul
Kathy Hochul is the Governor of New York, who first declared the statewide measles emergency and has now extended it.
The details
The October 5 order allowed pharmacists to vaccinate children 2 and older, and the current extension suspends certain rules so retired doctors and nurses in good standing can administer shots. Two doses of the MMR vaccine offer 97% protection against measles.
Timeline
October 5: Governor Hochul first declared the measles emergency and issued the pharmacist vaccination order.
December 4: The extended measles disaster emergency declaration expires.
Health Landscape
The extension follows New York's October 5 measles emergency order, which first allowed pharmacists to vaccinate children 2 and older. Measles has spread through rural New York communities where pediatric vaccination rates lag behind the rest of the state.
Parents in affected counties can ask pharmacists about measles vaccination for children 2 and older under the October 5 order. Two MMR doses provide 97% protection against the disease.
The takeaway
Vaccination coverage varies sharply across New York counties, and the state's measles response now runs through December 4. Parents should confirm their children's measles vaccination status with a health provider.
What happens next
The measles disaster emergency declaration expires on December 4.
Further reading
For related coverage, see COVID-19 reporting in New York.
