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New York City

Mamdani and Sliwa Received Flu Shots Together

The former election rivals participated in a city social media campaign to promote flu vaccinations.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Bold vector editorial illustration showing two sterile medical syringes on a tray, representing a public health vaccination campaign.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and former rival Curtis Sliwa held a joint event in Fort Greene to promote seasonal flu vaccinations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Curtis Sliwa were filmed receiving flu vaccinations at a medical office in Fort Greene. The bipartisan event was designed to encourage New Yorkers to keep up with seasonal immunizations.

Why it matters

Public displays by political figures serve as a strategy to boost health awareness and increase community participation in city-led wellness initiatives.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Curtis Sliwa appeared together for a public health demonstration in Brooklyn. The city-led effort aims to drive resident engagement with the seasonal flu vaccination program.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

Zohran Mamdani is the current Mayor of New York City.

Curtis Sliwa

Curtis Sliwa is a political figure who previously ran for mayor and is known for his work with rescue animals.

The details

Mayor Mamdani, who defeated Sliwa in last November's election, held hands with his former opponent as Sliwa received his shot. The event was recorded for a New York City social media campaign meant to normalize the vaccination process.

Timeline

  1. Curtis Sliwa survived being shot five times in June 1992.

  2. Mayor Mamdani defeated Curtis Sliwa in the election held last November.

  3. Mamdani and Sliwa appeared at an Inner Circle event in March 2026.

  4. The pair received their flu shots on October 2, 2026.

Political Context

Opponents often point to the policy disagreements that characterized the November mayoral election as a reason to be skeptical of such bipartisan photo opportunities. This pushback highlights a broader tension between genuine civic cooperation and the performative nature of modern political outreach.

Residents can visit local clinics in Fort Greene or across the five boroughs to receive their seasonal flu shots. Public health officials emphasize that these vaccinations are a standard preventive measure for managing seasonal illness in the city.

The takeaway

Engaging in preventive healthcare is a recommended practice regardless of political affiliation. Keeping up to date with seasonal vaccinations is a simple step to help maintain community health during the winter months.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest city initiatives on the Civic Engagement page.

Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC7 New York.

Live Poll

Do you believe city-led celebrity campaigns effectively encourage more residents to get their flu shots?