COVID 19 Vaccine Information

The COVID-19 vaccine is an important tool to protect New Yorkers from the COVID-19 virus. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has stated its commitment to ensure that all New Yorkers can access these free, safe, and easy-to-administer vaccines. All New Yorkers ages 6 months and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

New Yorkers can also get booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine. Booster shots are free and available at city-run sites, with or without an appointment; at pharmacies including CVS and Walgreens; and at many provider sites, including community health centers. Anyone 12 or over can get a COVID-19 booster shot formulated to target subvariants dominating U.S. infections.  Now’s the time to get your COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine! CDC recommends everyone ages 5 years and older receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised have specific COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, including recommendations for a booster. New York offers sites specific for immunocompromised individuals to schedule their vaccine here. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine booster shots from the CDC.

The spread of variants underscores the need for COVID-19 prevention measures for all New Yorkers, including completing a primary COVID-19 vaccination series or getting a COVID-19 booster dose. Please continue to check the State’s website for more information, and for answers to common questions, consult this COVID-19 Vaccine Facts page.

New Yorkers can find locations near them and make appointments online at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or by calling 877-VAX-4-NYC for assistance in multiple languages. New York City is offering in-home COVID-19 vaccinations to any City resident who requests one. Anyone interested in at-home vaccination can get more information here. New York City is offering those who get their booster shot or first vaccine dose at a New York City-run vaccination location a $100 pre-paid debit card or the option to choose another reward, including Statue of Liberty tickets or an NYC Ferry 10-ride pass. To find out more, visit nyc.gov/vaccineincentives or call 877-VAX-4-NYC.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you may qualify for new medications, which can decrease the possibility of hospitalization and death. These treatments are most effective within the first days of symptoms. Contact your provider to see if you qualify, and learn more about monoclonal antibody treatment here and new medications here.

Remember, we must remain vigilant and continue practicing proven strategies to stop the spread of COVID-19:

• Wear a face covering whenever you’re not at home. Everyone should consider wearing two masks or a higher-grade mask, such as a KN95 or KF94. Using a cloth mask over a disposable mask improves the fit and adds layers.
• Get tested. Amida Care covers COVID-19 testing, including “at home” test kits at no cost to members. Learn more here. All U.S. households can also order two sets of four free at-home COVID-19 tests here. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.
• Stay home, especially if you are sick or recently tested positive for COVID-19, or were exposed to someone with COVID-19.
• Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer often.

The COVID-19 vaccine and the Black community

• Watch this special video with Tyler Perry, which provides helpful and factual information for viewers looking to protect themselves and their families from this unprecedented crisis. Tackling issues head-on, Perry asks the hard-hitting questions to help the community gain insight into the vaccine.

• In this funny but factual video, comedian/TV host W. Kamau Bell discusses frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine with Black health care professionals. Watch it here.

• Amida Care hosted a Zoom webinar about the COVID-19 vaccines and the Black and Brown communities.

The COVID-19 vaccine and the Latinx community

Despite being disproportionately impacted in the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, Latinx Americans make up a very low percentage of those getting a vaccine. The Latino Commission on AIDS’ “Yes, I Do“ campaign urges these communities to commit themselves to vaccination as “an act of love for our families, friends and communities.” Find nearby COVID-19 vaccine locations  in English or Spanish.

 

And don’t forget to spread the word!  

• Share the City’s COVID-19 vaccine website: nyc.gov/vaccinecommandcenter
• Share the COVID-19 Vaccine Factsheet
• Share the flyer for posting
• Promote the finder and assistance number – https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/ and 877-VAX4NYC
• Use our social media kit to help spread the word, with hashtags #NYCVaccineForAll and #IGotTheShot NYC
• Share vaccine messaging in American Sign Language: https://youtu.be/xKLN4rEroTc

Thank you for your partnership in helping to stop COVID-19 in its tracks!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING THE COVID-19 VACCINE 

 

COVID-19 Fact Sheet	COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective: Learn more.
COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and treatment are free for Medicaid members. Learn more:

 

Read helpful tips on coping with vaccine anxiety here.	For information on the Coronavirus
	Go to: Coronavirus: What You Need to Know