Health care providers across New York state will be administering new COVID-19 vaccines Friday to fight the Omicron XXB1.5 variant.

The new shot comes as cases and hospitalizations are rising across the state. Gov. Kathy Hochul says now is the time to prepare rather than panic. She is encouraging everyone to get the shot as the fall flu and RSV season is also fast approaching.

The CDC recommends the single-dose vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna to anyone over 6 months.

The CDC says, "Last season, those who received a 2022-2023 COVID-19 vaccine saw greater protection against illness and hospitalization than those who did not receive a 2022-2023 vaccine."

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As more than 2.5 million children returned to school last week, parents News 12 spoke with say they are on board.

"It's better they get vaccinated; you don't want to die. You don't want to lose your son or daughter. It's a good idea," said Diane Edwards of Canarsie.

Most New Yorkers can get the vaccine for free either through their health insurance or at local health care centers. The Department of Health says they will be adding the providers that have the new shots to their website on a rolling basis.