The latest COVID-19 vaccine is available in New York and Gov. Kathy Hochul encouraged all eligible New Yorkers this week to get it — particularly people over 65, at risk for severe COVID-19 or who have never gotten the vaccine.
She suggested getting it as students return to school, increasing public contact, and before of the respiratory illness season.
New Yorkers can get the vaccine at any pharmacy in New York without a prescription, Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.
“Now is the time to get the new COVID-19 vaccine to help protect your family and your community,” Hochul said in a release. “As in years’ past, we’re putting health first and making it easy for all eligible New Yorkers to get the new vaccine at any pharmacy statewide.”
“Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective protection against being admitted to a hospital or suffering from Long COVID, so I’m once again encouraging all those eligible to prioritize their health and get vaccinated,” McDonald said.. “As we enter the fall season, when respiratory viruses circulate, New Yorkers should get the vaccine to protect themselves from COVID-19 so they can risk less and live well.”
Under the Affordable Care Act, most private health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid plans cover COVID-19 vaccines without cost-sharing when received at an in-network provider or pharmacy. Those who are uninsured, or whose insurance does not cover the updated vaccine, will have access to the shots free of charge through community health centers or local health departments.
