The effort to distribute the vaccine in New York has started slowly and the program is currently in operation, with more people eligible to receive the vaccine than the available doses. The hope is that this will change in the coming weeks, as a new government enters the White House, production increases and more vaccines are approved. In the meantime, even with the dosages available to those eligible, frustrations are high during the appointment process – here’s what you need to know about getting vaccinated in New York. We will be updating this guide as new information becomes available.
When can I get the vaccine?
The vaccine launch is divided into groups. As of today, those in groups 1a and 1b can schedule to receive the vaccine. However, there are currently more people than supplies – at the current rate, it would take months to get through these two groups. Vaccine production is expected to increase, however, accelerating this process.
Phase 1a and Phase 1b include health workers, first responders, teachers, public transport workers, people over 65, grocery workers who serve the public and more. Currently, it does not include those with pre-existing or immunocompromised diseases, as the state has not yet disclosed who is included in these groups.
See the full list of who can currently get the vaccine in New York here.
Phase 1c includes other essential workers. The city and state have not yet clarified who will be included in this group.
Here is the NY state website on phased distribution, which will be updated.
What is the schedule for each group?
According to the city’s website, the remaining Phase 1b frontline workers and those in other risk groups (both of which will be determined by the State of New York) are likely to start receiving the vaccine in February. Phase 1c is scheduled to begin in March-April, while Phase 2 – which includes all others – is likely to be eligible to receive its vaccines starting in the summer.
As of January 13, 2021
nyc.gov
I live in New York City, can I make an appointment by city or state?
Great question. The split system is causing a lot of frustration – there is no simplified appointment system in New York. The state has a portal and the city has a portal and you can try both routes. At the moment, people seem to be having slightly better luck with the state system.
After spending several hours trying to schedule a vaccine appointment for an elderly friend I discovered, the state system is simple (er), but reserved until March, the city system took more than 1 hour just to be able to login and not consultations were available.
– Gwynne Hogan (@GwynneFitz) January 14, 2021
So, how do I make an appointment?
If you are eligible, you can make an appointment over the phone or through a website. In New York, there are two major online portals. New York City residents can use:
On the state portal, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and then receive a list of available vaccination locations, including state-administered locations, pharmacies and clinics. Although you can make an appointment on state-run websites, such as the Javits Center, for the listed clinics and pharmacies, you will receive a notice to call them and / or access their website.
On the city portal, you will enter your postal code and the map will show the nearest locations – a link to schedule an appointment is below each one. If you don’t see any appointments available, leave the browser open, as some have reported that it will automatically update with new appointments, if any.
The state and city have also created vaccine hotlines, where you can make appointments:
- State: 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (is open from 7 am to 10 am)
- City: 1-877-VAX-4NYC (it works from 8 am to 9 pm, but it will be 24 hours in the future)
In New Jersey, there is no centralized portal, but there is a website that is updating vaccine distribution locations. You can find that here.
This school gym on the South Bronx Educational Campus is now part of a vaccination site.
David “Dee” Delgado / Gothamist
Where will I get my vaccine?
There are vaccination centers run by the city and state vaccination centers, including “mega” vaccination centers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with more opening soon. Mayor Bill de Blasio said that by the end of the week on 10 January there would be 175 vaccination posts in the city. This map has all current locations, both managed by the city and state.
Locations range from large sites like Citi Field, Yankee Stadium and Javits Center to some local pharmacies.
The city will open vaccination sites in the NYCHA development for residents age 65 and over, starting at the Van Dyke I and II Houses in Brooklyn, Cassidy Lafayette Houses on Staten Island and Polo Grounds Towers in Manhattan, starting this weekend, and more will open in the coming weeks.
New York has also opted for the federal government’s Long Term Care Pharmacy Partnership Program for the COVID-19 vaccination, which means that “employees of CVS, Walgreens and other selected pharmacies will vaccinate residents and employees in long-term care facilities. term, including asylum. “
At the Javits Center vaccination site
Governor Cuomo Officer
How will I receive my second dose?
The system is currently configured for you to schedule your appointment for a second dose while you are on your appointment for the first dose. The second dose will be administered about three to four weeks after the first.
My group is not yet qualified. Can I pre-register?
New York City is working on a pre-registration system.
In New Jersey, you can pre-register here to be notified when you are eligible.
I am ready to go to my vaccine appointment, what do I need?
If you received a confirmation email after making your appointment, it will include an identification confirmation number that you will need to bring with you.
Can I make an appointment if I am an undocumented immigrant?
Yes. New York is just collecting names and birth dates to encourage undocumented immigrants to get the vaccine.
What happens when I arrive at the vaccination site?
On city-run sites, a Health Department employee will check your reservation and check in, verifying your identity through documentation (which may include an identity card, identification number or a QR code that they receive through the site ). After vaccination, you will go to an evaluation room for 15 minutes, where you will be monitored for any serious allergic reaction to the vaccine, which is considered rare. The process should take about 30 minutes or less, although some have reported waiting longer.
Will it cost me money?
Governor Andrew Cuomo promised that “no one will pay a penny” to be vaccinated.
Additional reports by David Cruz and Nsikan Akpan.