New York State will distribute the COVID-19 vaccine in phases based on need and risk. Currently, in Phase 1a and beginning Phase 1b, New York is moving into the next stages based upon vaccine supply.
Over 7 million New Yorkers are now eligible for the COVID Vaccine, but the State only receives 300,00 doses per week from the Federal Government.
As a result of limited allocations, limited appointments are filling up quickly. Currently, appointments have been made for the next 14 weeks.
Vaccinations are performed by local health departments, pharmacies, doctor offices, and hospitals. Please call them for appointments and additional information.
Both the federal government and New York State have developed plans to ensure that everyone will be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as large quantities are available, at no cost no matter where they live.
New York City, which has boroughs with the highest concentration of African Americans, has established a site for the most recent vaccine information https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/
The following steps will help you get a vaccine in the state of New York.
Step 1: Determine eligibility and schedule an appointment. First, you should complete the Am I Eligible? App to check their eligibility and find vaccination locations near you where you can schedule an appointment, or call the New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline.
Note that due to limited supply from the federal government, it may be
12 or more weeks before an appointment is available to you.
Step 2: Complete the Vaccine Form. Once and only once you have a confirmed appointment, you must complete the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form. This form can be completed online and you will receive a submission ID, or can be completed at your vaccination site. (We encourage New Yorkers to complete the form ahead of time.)
Step 3: Bring proof of eligibility to your appointment. When you go to your vaccination site for your appointment, you must bring proof of eligibility. This may include an employee ID card, a letter from an employer or affiliated organization, or a pay stub, depending on the specific priority status.
If you are eligible due to age, you should bring a form of ID (like a Driver’s License or passport) that includes your date of birth.
Step 4: Schedule your second appointment in-person at your vaccination site. You will be able to schedule an appointment to get your second shot at your vaccination site, in-person, right after getting your first shot.
Remember: Both vaccines require two doses for effectiveness.
The links below will help you navigate the vaccine distribution in New York
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you
You can also see vaccination locations on the state’s COVID-19 website and via its vaccination hotline, through which eligible New Yorkers can also schedule appointments: 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).