Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccine

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The COVID-19 vaccine can prevent COVID-19 symptoms and severe COVID-19 illness.

All people age 12 and up who live in the U.S. are eligible to receive a vaccine. Minors aged 12 to 17 may only receive the Pfizer vaccine.

The vaccine is free, regardless of immigration status. If you have insurance, it may be billed, but you will not be charged a copay or other fee.

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccine Types

Three COVID-19 vaccines are available in the U.S.:

  • Pfizer BioNTech (also known as Comirnaty, which is pronounced "koe-mir-na-tee")
  • Moderna
  • Johnson and Johnson

On August 23, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Pfizer vaccine for people 16 and older. The vaccine had previously been available for this group under emergency use authorization, which is still in effect for people ages 12 to 15. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines have emergency use authorization from the FDA.

The vaccines are administered through shots in the arm. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses taken 3 to 4 weeks apart.

With the COVID-19 Vaccine Finder, you can find vaccination sites closest to you that:

  • Accept walk-ups
  • Offer or require appointments
  • Are accessible for people with disabilities
  • Provide a specific vaccine type

Visit nyc.gov/VaccineFinder.

Customers Without Internet Access

If you don’t have internet access, you can schedule an appointment with the Vaccine Reservation Call Center. However, the reservation center can ONLY schedule an appointment for Health + Hospitals and NYC Department of Health vaccination sites.

Translators are available.

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Before You Go

Before you can get a vaccine, you must

1) Fill out the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form. You can complete it online and bring your submission ID, or you can complete the form at your vaccination site. You will get an email confirmation with a QR code if you have completed the screening questions. If you haven’t received the QR Code and you have an appointment today, you should attend your appointment and finish processing at the facility.

2) Bring proof that you are 12 or older, such as a:

  • Driver’s license or non-driver ID
  • IDNYC card
  • Birth certificate issued by a state or local government
  • Current U.S passport or valid foreign passport
  • Permanent resident card
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
  • Life insurance policy with birthdate
  • Marriage certificate with birthdate

3) Provide written or verbal consent if your child is getting the vaccine.

After You Get the Vaccine

After you get vaccinated at a City or State site, you'll be given a card with the following:

  • Your name, date of birth, and medical record number (if you have one)
  • Name of the vaccine you were given
  • Date and place you got the shot

If you get a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, you should schedule a second-dose appointment before you leave.

Cancel or Reschedule an Appointment

Vaccine appointments at City-run sites may be rescheduled due to vaccine shortages or severe weather. If you are impacted, the City will call and email you with a new date and time to show up for your appointment.

If you need to reschedule or cancel a vaccine appointment, contact the site where you scheduled your appointment.

If you have an appointment with an NYC Health + Hospitals or NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) site, you can cancel or reschedule your appointment with the Vaccine Reservation Call Center.

If you have a DOHMH appointment, you can also reschedule or cancel your appointment online.

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NYC mobile vaccine buses visit neighborhoods in each borough to offer ADA-accessible COVID-19 vaccines. The City also sets up temporary pop-up vaccination sites at parks, businesses, and houses of worship.

No appointments are necessary. Locations change regularly, so check the schedule before you go.

Appointments

Appointments are not required, but you can book in advance online or by phone.

Online

Schedule an appointment.

By Phone

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In-home COVID-19 vaccinations are available for all NYC residents ages 12 and older.

You can express interest by using the form below. The City will use this information to call you back so you can choose the brand of the vaccine you would like to receive (Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson).

Visit nyc.gov/homevaccine to submit the interest form.

If you cannot access or fill out the online form, you can get assistance from the Vaccine Reservation Call Center.

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Second Doses

The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines require two doses that must be taken 3 to 4 weeks apart.

At your appointment for the first dose, you should schedule a second-dose appointment. If you left without scheduling the second appointment, you should contact the site where you got your first shot for additional information.

If you got your first dose from an NYC Health + Hospitals or NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) site, you can confirm your scheduled appointment or make a second appointment with the Vaccine Reservation Call Center.

If you got your first dose from DOHMH, you can also schedule a second-dose appointment online.

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Third Doses

Starting Monday, August 16, New York City will begin administering third dose vaccinations to the limited categories of people approved by the CDC. 

Those categories include people who:

  • Are receiving treatment for cancer
  • Received an organ transplant and are taking immunosuppressive therapy
  • Received a stem cell transplant within the past two years
  • Have a moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency
  • Have advanced or untreated HIV
  • Are receiving treatment with a high dose of corticosteroids or other drugs that moderately or severely weaken your immune system

You should discuss getting a third dose with your doctor. Your doctor will consider your medical conditions, treatment being received, risk of infection, and other factors.

Your third dose should be of the same type as your first two doses. For example, if you got two doses of Moderna, your third dose should also be the Moderna vaccine. Note that there is no second or third dose for Johnson and Johnson vaccines.

Third doses can be received at any Vax4NYC site. Only walk-ins are accepted. You must attest to your eligibility at the site.

Learn more about third doses.

To confirm your eligibility for the third dose you must contact your physician.

You can talk with a nurse if you need more information and answers to questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.

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A parent or guardian must provide consent for their child to be vaccinated in person or by phone. Some providers, including all City-run sites, will accept proof of consent in writing. However, in-person or phone consent is preferred.

All minors who are 12 to 15 must be accompanied to the vaccination site by a parent or guardian, or another adult caregiver designated by the parent/guardian.

The child must also have a completed New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form.

At this time, there is no vaccine mandate for students ages 12 or older attending public school.

For more information about written consent for appointments you can contact the Vaccine Reservation Call Center.

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You may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the New York City Health Department’s COVID-19 vaccination program.

Requests for accommodations should be made as soon as possible before scheduling a vaccination appointment at your preferred City site in New York.

You may also visit a vaccination site without an appointment for immediate service.

Each City-run vaccination site:

  • Has an accessible entrance and exit, restroom and pathway to the vaccination area.
  • Is equipped with video translation services for more than 240 languages including American Sign Language.
  • Has at least one Disability Access and Functional Needs (DAFN) Coordinator who can help you during your visit.

Most sites will not require you to complete any paper documentation during your visit. If paper documentation is required, the DAFN Coordinator will be there to provide help.

You may bring a companion, personal care attendant, personal care aide, family member, or other person to help you during your appointment. This can include someone who can interpret for you.

You may also bring a service animal or mobility device such as a wheelchair or walker.

Online

You can email your request for a reasonable accommodation to hubaccess@health.nyc.gov.

You can also go to the Disability Access page to learn more about requesting reasonable accommodations.

By Phone

Call 311 for assistance.

You can schedule transportation to your vaccine appointment if you are 65 or older and:

  • Cannot use public transportation,
  • Cannot use private transportation, and
  • Cannot rely on friends or family members for transport.

You must already have a vaccine appointment before scheduling transportation. However, you do not need an appointment for City-run vaccination sites.

Access-a-Ride

If you already use Access-a-Ride, you can schedule transportation to your appointment as you normally would.

  • Agency: Metropolitan Transportation Authority
  • Division: Access-A-Ride
  • Phone Number: (718) 393-4999
  • Business Hours: Daily: 7 AM - 5 PM
  • Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours. Automated assistance is also available in Spanish. If you get a busy signal, call (877) 337-2017.

Medicaid

If you have Medicaid-provided transportation, you can use your usual contact number to schedule transport. You can also call Medicaid Transportation Management.

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  • Agency: Metropolitan Transportation Authority
  • Division: Access-A-Ride
  • Phone Number: (718) 393-4999
  • Business Hours: Daily: 7 AM - 5 PM
  • Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours. Automated assistance is also available in Spanish. If you get a busy signal, call (877) 337-2017.

Hunter Ambulettes

If you need an ambulette, you can schedule free transport with Hunter ambulettes.

  • Agency: Hunter Call Center
  • Phone Number: (718) 991-2211
  • Business Hours:

Curb

If you are 65 or older and meet all of the criteria, but do not qualify for the programs above, you can schedule a free ride with Curb.

When scheduling your appointment, you must indicate that you are getting a vaccine. Curb will confirm that your destination is a valid vaccination site, and your ride will be scheduled for free.

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  • Agency: Hunter Call Center
  • Phone Number: (718) 991-2211
  • Business Hours:

Businesses

The Key to NYC program requires employees and customers 12 and older to prove they are vaccinated before entering businesses conducting the following activities:

  • Indoor dining
  • Indoor fitness
  • Indoor entertainment

The mandate began on August 17 and enforcement will begin on September 13.

Learn more by visiting the following pages:

Public Schools

At this time, there is no general vaccine mandate for students ages 12 or older attending public school. However, vaccination will be required for all students and staff participating in high-risk sports.

DOE employees must also receive at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by September 27. Learn more on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Schools page.

City Workers

To learn about mandates for City government workers, visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and City Workers page.

Healthcare Workers

In New York State, all healthcare workers. including staff at hospitals and long-term care facilities that are public or private, will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Monday, September 27.

These facilities include: 

  • Adult care 
  • Hospitals
  • Nursing homes
  • Other congregate care settings

The State Department of Health will require these facilities to develop and implement a policy mandating employee vaccination, with limited exceptions for those with religious or medical reasons.

You should contact your employer’s human resources department for more information.

State Court System

By September 7, all NY State court system workers are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine or they will need to be tested weekly for COVID-19.

Learn more about the vaccine mandate.

Vaccine Incentives from City-run Sites

New York City is offering incentives to encourage New Yorkers to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Eligible New Yorkers are entitled to only one incentive. Once you make your selection, it cannot be changed.

$100 Debit Card

You can get a $100 pre-paid debit card if you receive your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from a Department of Health and Hygiene site or through the City's in-home vaccination program on or after July 28, 2021.

This benefit is not available through NYC Health + Hospital and Gotham Health vaccine locations at this time.

Participating sites are listed on the Vax4NYC Appointment Scheduler.

After you get your first shot, you will get an email with instructions on how you can select and redeem your debit card. You can also visit vax4nyc.nyc.gov/incentives.

To pick up your in person debit card, you will need to go to one of the locations listed below during their operating hours to find the Vaccine Incentive Pick Up Table. In order to redeem your $100 pre-paid debit card you will have to provide your Dose 1 Appointment #, Date of Birth, and Zip Code. The card will have funds on it within 24 hours of when you pick it up.

Please see location details below:

  • Broadway Times Square Vaccination Site
    20 Times Square, Second Floor, Manhattan, 10036
    Monday - Wednesday, Friday - Saturday, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
     
  • Flatbush YMCA Vaccination Site
    1401 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, 11210
    Monday - Wednesday, Friday - Saturday, 9 AM - 5 PM
     
  • Free Synagogue of Flushing Vaccination Site
    41-60 Kissena Boulevard, Queens, 11355
    Monday, Wednesday - Saturday 12:30 PM - 6 PM

Other Incentives

Additionally, if you were vaccinated on or after May 25, 2021 at a Vax4NYC site, you are eligible to choose one of the incentives listed online instead of the $100 debit card. Incentives include free tickets, food, gift cards, and other special deals.

After you get your first shot, you will get an email with instructions on how you can select and redeem your incentive.

Learn more about vaccine incentives.

Get Help

If you have problems or questions about redeeming incentives through the Vax4NYC program, contact the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

If you do not have internet access, the Vaccine Reservation Call Center can help you fill out the form.

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  • Agency: Hunter Call Center
  • Phone Number: (718) 991-2211
  • Business Hours:

 

 

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Vaccine Incentives from State-run Sites 

Free MetroCards or Rail Tickets

The single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is available to those 18 years and older at the following subway and train stations:

  • Penn Station (Manhattan)
    LIRR, 34th Street Corridor, closest to entrance at 34th Street and 7th Avenue
    Daily: 3 PM to 8 PM
    Free 7-day Unlimited MetroCard or two one-way Commuter Rail Tickets with vaccination.
     
  • Grand Central Terminal (Manhattan)
    Metro-North Terminal, inside Vanderbilt Hall.
    Daily: 8 AM to 1 PM
    Free 7-day Unlimited MetroCard or two one-way Commuter Rail Tickets with vaccination.

Once you’re at the station follow the blue and red signs directing you to the pop-up site.

Learn more about the MTA's vaccine pop-up stop program.

Free Two-Day Passes to NYS Park

Individuals who received a first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine anywhere in New York State between May 24 and May 31 are eligible to receive a free two-day pass to any New York State Park. These passes are valid through September 30, 2021. 

A visitor can show confirmation of their eligible vaccination at any of New York's 181 State Parks to receive their pass. Passes can be used for parking and beach and pool privileges throughout the State's Parks network.

Side Effects

You should call your health care provider if you have side effects that concern you or do not go away after a few days, or if the redness or soreness where you got the shot increases after 24 hours. 

You can also report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), managed by the CDC and Food and Drug Administration. 

Reports can be made online or by phone. The information you report will be kept confidential.

Online

Report side effects to VAERS.

By Phone

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  • Agency: Hunter Call Center
  • Phone Number: (718) 991-2211
  • Business Hours:

Additional Assistance

You can talk with a nurse if you need more information and answers to questions about the vaccine.

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  • Agency: Hunter Call Center
  • Phone Number: (718) 991-2211
  • Business Hours:

 

 

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