Get the Facts
The COVID-19 Vaccine Is Here!
IMPORTANT UPDATE August 23, 2021: The FDA has announced the full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals age 16 and older. The FDA-licensed vaccine will now be marketed under the name Comirnaty, but nothing about its ingredients have changed. The vaccine continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA) for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of an additional dose in eligible immunocompromised individuals. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was first authorized for emergency use on December 11, 2020, and it was expanded to include 12- to 15-year-olds on May 10, 2021. All FDA-approved vaccines undergo the agency’s rigorous process for reviewing the quality, safety and effectiveness of medical products. The approval of Comirnaty is based on a review of hundreds of thousands of pages of scientific data and information, according to the FDA.
All individuals 12 years of age and older that reside in the United States are eligible to receive the vaccine. As of August 16 2021, New Yorkers with compromised immune systems can now receive their third COVID-19 vaccine dose. While the vaccination process is underway, New Yorkers should continue to wear a mask where appropriate and follow all other health guidelines.
FDA fact sheets for recipients and caregivers on each vaccine are available: Pfizer-BioNTech/Cominarty; Moderna; Johnson & Johnson.
COVID vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, local health departments, clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and other locations across the state. Visit Vaccines.gov to find appointments near you or contact your local pharmacy or provider.
To schedule an appointment directly at a New York State-run site, go to New York State's vaccine scheduler and follow the instructions. Walk-in appointments are also accepted at New York State mass vaccination sites for all eligible individuals.
New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline
1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829)
The COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline is open 8AM - 8PM, 7 days week, to help New Yorkers determine if they are eligible and schedule vaccination appointments.
COVID-19 Vaccine Program Task Forces
Clinical Advisory Task Force
New York’s independent COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Advisory Task Force, comprised of leading health experts, was formed to provide an additional level of review to help build public trust in COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more about the Clinical Advisory Task Force.
Vaccine Distribution and Implementation Task Force
Comprised of experts in public health, logistics and vaccine administration, this task force will advise on the operational side of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination program. Learn more about the Distribution and Implementation Task Force.
Vaccine Equity Task Force
New York's Vaccine Equity Task Force was established to break down barriers to vaccination and ensure there is equitable distribution of the vaccine across the state, leaving no community behind. Learn more about the Equity Task Force.
Vaccination Training
Become a Vaccinator
New York State is encouraging eligible New Yorkers to take trainings to become vaccinators.
Wear a mask, practice social distancing, and get tested. In public, keep at least 6 feet distance from others.
Wash Your Hands, Cover Your Cough: Cover your cough and sneezes. Use your elbow or a tissue. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Take Caution with New Yorkers At-Risk: Avoid exposing the elderly and people with underlying health conditions to the virus. Instead of visiting, call. Offer help with groceries and other goods.
