BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- In an announcement that officially lifts the state's mask mandate for healthcare workers without a flu vaccine, New York State's Department of Health says influenza is no longer prevalent in the state. “As influenza season winds down and the virus is no longer prevalent in New York, we are rescinding the masking requirement for health care workers in hospitals, nursing homes, and adult care facilities who have not been vaccinated against flu,” NYS Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. Influenza was declared prevalent in New York in the middle of National Influenza Vaccination Week, on December 6. New York saw more than 25,000 hospitalizations from the flu during the 2023-24 flu season. These peaked near the end of 2023 going into 2024. "Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu shot as it is the best way to protect yourself and will lessen the symptoms if you do get sick," Dr. McDonald said while making the declaration in December. Latest Local News 2 charged after police respond to large fight in Dunkirk Buffalo man admits to strangling woman, robbing elderly victim Man believed to be skateboarding fatally struck by vehicle on Niagara Street Buffalo man accused of stealing $176K from elderly family member Bills draft pick Coleman takes Diggs’ spot in popular mural on Hertel Evan Anstey is an Associated Press Award, JANY Award and Emmy-nominated digital producer who has been part of the News 4 team since 2015. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.