How to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in New York

The vaccine distribution effort in New York got off to a slow start, and the program is currently operational with more people eligible to obtain the vaccine than the doses available. The hope is that that will change in the coming weeks as a new administration enters the White House, production increases, and new vaccines are approved. In the meantime, even with the dosages available to those who qualify, frustrations are high regarding the appointment scheduling process – here’s what you need to know about how to get the vaccine in New York City. We will update this guide as new information becomes available.

When can I get vaccinated?

The vaccine deployment is divided into groups. From today, people in groups 1a and 1b can make an appointment 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, speeding up this process.

Phases 1a and 1b include healthcare workers, first responders, teachers, transit workers, people 65 and older, grocery store workers facing the public, and more. Currently, it does not include those with pre-existing conditions or who are immunocompromised, because the state has not yet released who is included in these groups.

Check out the full list of people who can currently get the vaccine in New York here.

Phase 1c includes other essential workers. The city and state have not yet specified who will be included in this group.

Here is the NY State site on staged distribution, which will be updated.

What is the schedule for each group?

According to the city’s website, the remaining frontline workers in Phase 1b and those in other risk groups (both to be determined by New York state) will likely begin receiving the vaccine in February. Phase 1c is expected to start in March-April, while phase 2 – which affects everyone else – will likely be eligible to receive their vaccines from the summer.

I live in New York, do I make an appointment in the city or in the state?

Excellent question. The shared system is the source of a lot of frustration – there isn’t a simplified system for scheduling appointments 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 have slightly better luck with the state system.

So, how do you make an appointment?

If you are eligible, you can make an appointment by phone or through a website. In New York, there are two main online portals. New York residents can use either:

On the state portal, you’ll be prompted to complete a questionnaire, and then you’ll get a list of available vaccination locations, including state-run sites, pharmacies, and clinics. While you can book appointments at state-run sites like the Javits Center for listed clinics and pharmacies, you will be prompted to call them and / or go to their website.

On the city portal you will enter your postcode and the map will display the nearest sites – a link to make an appointment is under each one. If you don’t see any available appointments, leave the browser open as some have reported that it will automatically refresh with new appointments if available.

The state and city have also set up vaccine hotlines where you can make an appointment:

• State: 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (it is open from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• City: 1-877-VAX-4NYC (it is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., but will be in the future 24 hours)

In New Jersey, there is no centralized portal, but there is a website that updates locations giving vaccines. You can find it here.

Where will I get my vaccine?

There are city-run vaccination centers and state-run vaccination centers, including 24/7 ‘mega’ vaccination sites, more to open soon. Mayor Bill de Blasio said that by the end of the week of January 10, there would be 175 vaccination sites in the city. This map shows all current locations, managed by city and state.

Locations include everything from major sites like Citi Field, Yankee Stadium, and the Javits Center to some local pharmacies.

The city will open vaccination sites to NYCHA Development for residents 65 and older, starting with the Van Dyke I and II houses in Brooklyn, the Cassidy Lafayette houses in Staten Island and the Polo Grounds towers in Manhattan, starting at this weekend, and more will open in the coming weeks.

New York has also opted for the Federal Government’s Pharmaceutical Partnership for Long-Term Care Program for COVID-19 vaccination, meaning that “employees at CVS, Walgreens and other selected pharmacies will vaccinate residents and staff. long-term care establishments, in particular nursing homes. “

How will I receive my second dose?

The system is currently set up for you to make an appointment for a second dose while you are at your appointment for your first dose. The second dose will be given approximately three to four weeks after the first.

My group is not yet eligible. Can I pre-register?

New York 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 appointment for the vaccine, what do I need?

If you received a confirmation email after making your appointment, it will include an identifying confirmation number that you will need to bring with you.

Can I make an appointment if I am an undocumented immigrant?

Yes. New York only collects names and dates of birth to encourage undocumented immigrants to get vaccinated.

What happens when I get to the vaccination site?

At city-run sites, an agent from the Department of Health will verify your reservation and check you in, verifying your identity through documentation (this may include an ID card, identification number or QR code that they receive via the website). After your vaccination, you will go to an assessment room for 15 minutes where you will be monitored for any severe allergic reactions to the vaccine, which are considered rare. The process should take around 30 minutes or less, although some have reported waiting longer.

Will it cost me money?

Governor Andrew Cuomo has promised that “no one will pay a penny” to get the vaccine.

Additional reporting by David Cruz and Nsikan Akpan.