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 5 and up, regardless of residency or immigration status, are eligible to receive a vaccine in NYC. Minors aged 5 to 17 may only receive the Pfizer vaccine.

The vaccine is free for all. 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.

On November 3, the FDA authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for people ages 5 to 11. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines have emergency use authorization from the FDA for people ages 18 and older.

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, mobile buses, and pop-ups closest to you that:

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

No 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.

  • Agency: Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
  • Division: Vaccine Reservation Call Center
  • Phone Number: (877) 829-4692
  • Business Hours:

 

 

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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 a document showing proof of age, 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.

  • Agency: Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
  • Division: Vaccine Reservation Call Center
  • Phone Number: (877) 829-4692
  • Business Hours:

 

 

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

In-home COVID-19 Pfizer booster shots are also available for all NYC residents ages 12 and older who were fully vaccinated with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least five months ago, or with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.

You can express interest by using the form below. The City will call you back within one week to schedule an appointment.

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.

  • Agency: Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
  • Division: Vaccine Reservation Call Center
  • Phone Number: (877) 829-4692
  • Business Hours:

 

 

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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.

    • Agency: Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
    • Division: Vaccine Reservation Call Center
    • Phone Number: (877) 829-4692
    • Business Hours:

     

     

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    Booster Shots

    The CDC recommends a booster shot for all adults 12 and older who received:

    • The Johnson and Johnson vaccine at least two months ago
    • The second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least five months ago

    The Pfizer and the Johnson and Johnson booster shots are the same dose and ingredients as the shots you already received. The Moderna booster shot is only half of the dose of the regular Moderna shots.

    People ages 12 to 17 can only receive the Pfizer booster shot.

    Booster shots are available at Vax4NYC sites. You may be asked to show your vaccination card with the record of your previous dose or doses.

    Learn more about COVID-19 booster shots.

    Mixing Vaccine Types

    It is recommended that people who got Moderna and Pfizer get a booster of the same vaccine type. However, if you have a preference for a different vaccine type, you are able to choose any of the three vaccines (at least six months after your second dose of Moderna or Pfizer).

    For Johnson and Johnson recipients, all three vaccines are fine as a booster, but limited data shows that a Moderna or Pfizer booster could offer more antibodies.

    If you’re not sure which one you should get, speak with your doctor or clinical staff at a vaccine site.

    Further Assistance

    You can talk with a nurse if you need more information and answers to questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. If you aren't sure if you are eligible you can discuss with your medical provider.

    • Agency: Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
    • Division: Vaccine Reservation Call Center
    • Phone Number: (877) 829-4692
    • Business Hours:

     

     

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    Third Dose of Moderna or Pfizer for People with a Weakened Immune System

    Separate from booster shots, people who have a weakened immune system are eligible for a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, as part of their initial vaccination series. They can get a third dose 28 days after their second shot.

    This shot is intended to help people who may not have developed enough immunity from the first two shots. People who receive this shot may also be eligible to receive a booster shot later.

    Third dose candidates 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

    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 at this time.

    Learn more about third doses.

    You will be required to "attest" that you have an immune condition or take medicine that suppresses your immune condition. That means you will need to say that to the vaccinator and check a box on the form. No other proof will be required. You may be asked to show your vaccination card with the record of your first and second doses. 

    You can talk with a nurse if you need more information and answers to questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, including third dose eligibility. You can also speak with your own medical provider if you have questions about eligibility. 

    • Agency: Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
    • Division: Vaccine Reservation Call Center
    • Phone Number: (877) 829-4692
    • Business Hours:

     

     

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    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. On November 3, the FDA authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for people ages 5 to 11.

    Children must have a parent or guardian's consent to get the vaccine. Children ages 5 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult when they receive the vaccine, and if the child is accompanied by an adult who is not the parent or guardian, verbal consent from the parent or guardian must be obtained by phone at the time of vaccination. 

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

    Vaccine Mandates

    At this time, there is no general vaccine mandate for students ages 5 or older attending public school. However, vaccination is required for all students participating in high-risk sports and extracurricular activities. Learn more about school vaccine mandates on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Schools page.

    Further Assistance

    Parents should talk to their health care provider if they have concerns or questions specific to their child's own medical situation.   

    For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, including written consent for appointments, you can contact the Vaccine Reservation Call Center.

    • Agency: Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
    • Division: Vaccine Reservation Call Center
    • Phone Number: (877) 829-4692
    • Business Hours:

     

     

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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.

    If you are between the ages of 60 and 64, visit the Transportation for Seniors page instead for other transportation options.

    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:
    • 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.

    • Agency: Medicaid Transportation Management
    • Phone Number: (844) 666-6270
    • Business Hours:

    Hunter Ambulettes

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

    • Agency: Hunter Call Center
    • Phone Number: (516) 812-9827
    • 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.

    • Agency: Curb
    • Phone Number: (646) 349-0289
    • Business Hours:

    The New York State mask-or-vaccine requirement for all indoor businesses settings was officially lifted on Thursday, February 10, 2022.

    However the State still requires face coverings for everyone when in:

    • Public transit
    • Health care settings
    • Childcare centers
    • Congregate settings, such as nursing homes and homeless shelters
    • Correctional facilities

    Private Businesses

    The Key to NYC vaccine mandate ended on March 7, 2022. The program required employees and customers of indoor dining, fitness, and entertainment venues to prove they were vaccinated.

    Businesses previously covered by Key to NYC rules can still require proof of vaccination or masking indoors if they choose.

    The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene workplace vaccine mandate for all private businesses in New York City remains in effect. Employees covered by this mandate are required to show their employers proof that they received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by December 27, 2021. Proof of a second dose (for Pfizer or Moderna vaccines) is required 45 days later.

    Reasonable accommodation requests must have been submitted to employers by December 27. Employees may continue working while accommodations are being processed.

    Employers must:

    • Post an official DOHMH sign in an obvious spot
    • Keep a record of each worker’s proof and any reasonable accommodations
    • Ensure employees get their second dose

    Learn more about the mandate.

    Business owners can access resources and assistance from Small Business Services (SBS) on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Businesses page.

    Public Schools

    At this time, there is no general vaccine mandate for students ages 5 or older attending public school. However, vaccination is required for students ages 5 and up participating in high-risk sports and extracurricular activities.

    All DOE employees and City contracted child care/after-school staff were also required to submit proof of at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by October 1, 2021. Learn more on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Schools page.

    Private Schools

    All employees at private schools, including yeshivas and Catholic schools, are required to show proof they received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by December 20, 2021. At this time there is no vaccine mandate for students attending private schools.

    Learn more on the Private School Vaccine Mandate 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, were required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as of September 27, 2021.

    These facilities include: 

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

    The State Department of Health requires 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.

    Office of Mental Health and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities

    Staff were required to show proof of at least the first shot of a COVID-19 vaccine series as of November 1, 2021. There is no test-out option.

    State Court System

    All NY State court system workers were required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine or be tested weekly for COVID-19 as of September 1, 2021.

    Learn more about the vaccine mandate.

    The $100 vaccine incentive program concluded on February 28, 2022. All codes for virtual cards will be delivered via email by March 3, 2022 and all physical cards will be mailed by March 11, 2022. Please allow up to 4 weeks for delivery of physical cards. 

    Redeeming Your Card

    After you get your first shot through a NYC City-Run Site or the In-Home Vaccination Program, you will get an email with instructions on how you can select and redeem your $100 debit card. You can also visit vax4nyc.nyc.gov/incentives.

    You will have two options:

    • Email
    • Standard mail

    Once you have made a selection and submitted it, you cannot change it. 

    • If you chose to receive your incentive by email, you should receive it within 5 days. Please make sure to check your spam folder if you have not received the email within 5 days. The card will be delivered from akimbo_card@akimbocard.com. These virtual debit cards must be redeemed from Akimbo by March 31, 2022.
    • If you chose to receive your card by mail, it should be delivered to the address you provided within 3 to 4 weeks of when you received your first dose.

    Get Help with Card Delivery

    You can get assistance from Akimbo Customer Service if you:

    • have not received your email or mailed cards within the expected delivery windows
    • have trouble activating your card
    • have activated your card and the funds have not been deposited within 48 hours

    Online

    Report an issue with your vaccine incentive.

    By Email

    cs@akimbocard.com

    By Phone

    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

    Additional Assistance

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

    • Agency: Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
    • Division: Vaccine Reservation Call Center
    • Phone Number: (877) 829-4692
    • Business Hours:

     

     

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    The Health Department closely monitors the status of COVID-19 vaccinations in New York City, including the demographics and locations of people who have received the vaccine.

    Data and statistics are available online from the Citywide Immunization Registry (CIR).

    You can get information on the:

    • Percent or number of residents vaccinated
    • Number of doses that have been administered
    • Vaccination rate of NYC residents by ZIP code, demographic group, or borough
    • Vaccination rate by residency

    Access COVID-19 vaccination data.

    You can give feedback about policies, services, and staff of the City’s COVID-19 vaccine program.

    Call 311 for assistance.

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