The state is stepping in to help fight the flu after New York saw a record number of flu cases over the last week.

Over the last week, nearly 8,000 cases were reported statewide, and about 2,000 New Yorkers were hospitalized. Those are the highest numbers in both categories since the state started keeping track in 2004.

In an effort to get more people vaccinated, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order allowing pharmacists to give flu shots to children ages 2 to 18.

The governor also wants the Health Department to ramp up its vaccine advertising campaign in the hardest-hit areas.

To find out where you can get a flu shot, go online to health.ny.gov.