Health311Search all NYC.gov websites

COVID-19: Vaccine

Print icon Print
A picture of a girl in a pink face mask. Text reads: You always keep them safe. With vaccines, they'll be safer

General Vaccine Information

Other Languages: Español | Русский | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Kreyòl ayisyen | 한국어 | বাংলা | Italiano | Polski | ײִדיש | العربية | Français | اردو

Get Vaccinated Today

It has never been easier to get a COVID-19 vaccination in NYC. People 12 and older are eligible for the vaccine. Learn about the benefits of vaccination.

The delta variant of the virus is continuing to spread rapidly, and vaccination is the most important tool we have to stop this spread. The delta variant is more contagious, more likely to cause severe illness, more likely to reinfect someone who already had COVID-19 and more likely to infect young people.

To find a vaccination site near you, use the City's Vaccine Finder (not accessible with Internet Explorer).


Find a COVID-19 Vaccine

You can also call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) to schedule an appointment at certain sites.

Review what you need to know before going to your vaccination appointment.

Vaccines are available at no cost to you and regardless of immigration status.

Public Indoor Vaccine Requirements

As of August 17, only vaccinated people in NYC will be allowed at various public indoor activities.

Learn more about these new requirements.

Booster Shots

The following people are now eligible for a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine, if they received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago:

  • People 65 or older
  • People 18 to 64 and either have an underlying medical condition or a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure due to their job (for example, health care workers) or where they live or frequently visit (for example, a homeless shelter)
  • People living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility

You will only be able to get a Pfizer booster shot if you received a second Pfizer dose at least six months ago. There are no exceptions to this restriction.

This shot is intended to help many people boost their immunity from the initial vaccination series, which may have decreased over time.

Third Doses for People with Weakened Immune System

Separate from booster shots, people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (meaning they 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 a small number of people who may not have had sufficient immunity from the first two shots. People who receive this shot may also be eligible to later receive a booster shot.


Vaccines are a critical tool in protecting you and your community from severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and death. They are proven safe and are now protecting millions of vaccinated New Yorkers from COVID-19.

After you are fully vaccinated (two weeks after your single-dose vaccine or second dose of a two-dose vaccine), you are much less likely to become sick or spread the virus that causes COVID-19.

When You Are Fully Vaccinated

  • All activities become safer.

  • You should still wear masks in some settings:
    • You do not need to wear a mask outdoors or when gathering with friends and family at home or in other private settings.
    • Masks are still required in schools, on public transportation, in health care settings and in certain congregate settings, such as nursing homes and homeless shelters, and at any other setting if designated by a business or location.
    • We recommend wearing a mask in all other public indoor settings, even when it is not required, as well as in any setting when you do not know the vaccination status of those around you.
    • Keep your mask on if you are around unvaccinated people who are at increased risk for severe COVID-19.

  • You no longer need to quarantine after exposure to someone with COVID-19.

  • You no longer need to get tested for COVID-19, unless you have symptoms of COVID-19 or a recent exposure, or testing is required for work, school or a specific activity.

Even after you are vaccinated, you should still wash your hands regularly and stay home if you are sick or test positive for COVID-19.

If you have a condition or are taking medicines that weaken your immune system, you may not be protected even if you are fully vaccinated. You should continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people until advised otherwise by your health care provider.

Learn more about the benefits of vaccination:

Proof of Vaccination

At the vaccination site, you will receive a card with your name, date of birth, the vaccine you received, and the place and date you received it. Keep it in a safe place and make a photocopy or take a picture just in case you lose it.

If you got the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, bring the card with you when you go for your second shot.

If you would like proof of vaccination other than your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card:

Free Transportation and In-Home Vaccinations

City residents 65 and older can get free transportation to and from a vaccination appointment. This service is also available for those with disabilities who have no other way to get to a vaccination site.

To schedule free transport by either ambulette or taxi (including wheelchair accessible vehicles), call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692). If you are younger than 18, you must have your parent or guardian call to book the trip on your behalf.

You can also sign up online for an in-home vaccination or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692). Anyone 12 and older is eligible for in-home vaccination.

Second-Dose Appointments

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses. You should schedule your second dose 21 days (Pfizer) or 28 days (Moderna) after the first dose. If you are unable to do so, get your second dose within 42 days after the first dose. Be sure to get the second dose no matter how much time has passed.

The Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine does not require a second dose.

Post-Vaccination Resources

The below resources have more information about your vaccine, including what to do if you feel side effects:

Fair and Equitable Access

The Health Department will ensure there is fair and equitable access to a vaccine. Our plans account for health inequities and disparities faced by underserved communities (PDF). We will make sure the communities hit hardest by the pandemic have access to the vaccine.

Note: All Health Department websites are designed to be accessible for people with disabilities.

Vaccination Help for People with Disabilities

People with disabilities can get help making a vaccination appointment at an accessible site, traveling to their appointment and getting their shot. This kind of help is called a reasonable accommodation.

You can get a reasonable accommodation if you have difficulty with:

  • Seeing or hearing
  • Thinking or concentrating
  • Speaking
  • Using your arms
  • Taking care of daily chores
  • Coping with feelings of sadness or anxiety
  • Getting around or climbing stairs

Though not a complete list, some common examples of a reasonable accommodation are: a wheelchair provided on arrival, ASL interpretation or tactile interpretation, a quiet space if loud spaces are overwhelming, and verbal or physical guidance to navigate the vaccination site.

You can request a reasonable accommodation when you schedule your vaccination, either through the City's online appointment scheduler or by calling 855-491-2667. You can also ask for a reasonable accommodation from staff at a City-run vaccination site, or email hubaccess@health.nyc.gov for more information.

Residents can also sign up for an in-home vaccination online or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692). Learn more about in-home vaccination.

For more information, see:

Additional Resources

Expand AllCollapse All

Watch

Download/Read

Visit

More Information