Full Breakdown
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Curtis Sliwa Hold Hands for Flu-Shot Photo-Op
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On Friday, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and former Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa received their annual influenza vaccinations side by side in a Fort Greene, Brooklyn medical office. The two men clasped hands while the shots were administered, creating a public-health-focused photo opportunity.
Background & Context
Mamdani defeated Sliwa in the November 2024 mayoral election, ending a campaign that featured multiple debates and a direct ballot contest. Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, survived being shot five times in June 1992 and frequently references his personal experience with gun violence. The encounter marked a shift from their earlier rivalry to a cooperative public-health message as cooler weather approaches.
Official Statements & Responses
Mayor Mamdani said he received the flu shot to encourage New Yorkers to get vaccinated as temperatures begin to dip. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that receiving the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of needing medical care for influenza by up to 60 percent.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is not the kind of shots we used to give one another!” — Curtis Sliwa
- “Can I get on the subway with this instead of an OMNY card?” — Curtis Sliwa
Why It Matters
The joint vaccination underscores a bipartisan effort to promote flu immunization in a city where seasonal outbreaks can strain healthcare resources. By publicly receiving the shot together, the mayor and a well-known former opponent aim to model confidence in the vaccine and potentially increase uptake among residents who may be hesitant.