Everything You Need to Know About Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine in New York

Updated March 31: COVID-19 vaccination distribution in New York City and throughout New York State began Monday, Jan. 11. All vaccinations are by appointment only, free, and are available to the groups of New Yorkers who have Phase 1a or Phase 1b eligibility. On Monday, March 29, Governor Cuomo announced that New Yorkers who are ages 30+ become eligible to schedule vaccine appointments on Tuesday, March 30. Ages 16+ are eligible starting April 6.

Who can get vaccinated in New York?

The following groups of New Yorkers are currently eligible to make vaccination appointments:

• Health care workers who are part of Phase 1a will continue to be vaccinated at hospitals and clinical settings
• People ages 30 and older (16+ beginning April 6)
• Individuals who have underlying conditions
• Frontline essential workers
• Public employees 
• Childcare staff
• First responders
• Public safety workers
• Public transit workers

Presently, underlying conditions includes the following conditions in New York:

• Cancer
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Pulmonary Disease
• Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
• Heart Conditions
• Immunocompromised State 
• Severe Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Sickle Cell Disease or Thalassemia
• Type 1 or 2 Diabetes Mellitus
• Cerebrovascular Disease
• Neurologic Conditions
• Liver Disease

Where can I get vaccinated in New York?

If you are part of the above group, you can use this online tool to confirm your eligibility, find a vaccination location, and make your appointment. Beginning at 4pm on Monday, Jan. 11, the COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline will open for scheduling appointments as well at 1-888-NYS-4-VAX. Eligible groups in NYC can use the portal at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov to find a location nearest them. 

Ages 75 and older will primarily be vaccinated at pharmacies and other sites part of the "retail network," while public employees (like police officers, public school teachers, and MTA employees), can expect to be vaccinated through their groups' relevant health programs or as organized by their unions. If you are an educator who is currently teaching remotely, you are still eligible to receive your vaccine, but priority may be given to in-person teachers. The goal, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio, is to have as many New Yorkers vaccinated as possible. 

Once you confirm eligibility and make an appointment, you will need to fill out this New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form. After you receive your first dose, a second shot will be needed 3-4 weeks after in order to protect you from the virus. You can learn more about the benefits of getting vaccinated here. 

de Blasio announced that Citi Field will be a major host site for 24/7 COVID-19 vaccines beginning the Wednesday, Feb. 10. The focus at this site will be on Queens residents and there will be special appointments reserved for TLC (taxi and limousine service workers) and food service workers. It will be open Wednesday-Saturday, 24 hours a day.