State health officials are encouraging New Yorkers to get vaccinated against the flu as cases climb.

The Department of Health recently announced nearly 600 confirmed flu cases for the week ending Oct. 1, which was 450 more than last year during early October.

"I strongly recommend that everybody get out there and get vaccinated and get your families vaccinated as soon as possible,” said Families Fighting Flu founder Alissa Kanowitz.

Officials also told News 12 that 44 of 62 counties are reporting cases of flu with most from the New York City area.

"Flu shots are the No. 1 way we have of preventing severe disease and death from the flu, and I urge everybody to get their flu shots,” said Dr. Deborah Shapiro, of Good Samaritan Hospital.

The state’s Department of Health website can help people find the closest location to get a flu shot.