COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION
Read our guide to New York State’s roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have any questions, please email RIF Program Manager Emma Myers at emma@rifnyc.org. To explore our other COVID-19 resources, click here.
New York City is currently in phase 1B of the vaccine distribution, which now includes taxi drivers, restaurant workers, and people with underlying health conditions. You can continue to check for updates here.
Vaccines are still in limited supply. However, New York State and FEMA opened high-volume vaccination sites at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn and York College in Queens. These sites are reporting that they have many open appointments. For now, you have to live in Brooklyn or Queens to use the sites. Make your appointment online or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX.
Update (Mar 1, 2021)
When can I get the covid-19 vaccine?
New York State (NYS) is rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine in phases. Currently, NYS is in phase 1B. Healthcare workers, emergency responders, teachers, grocery store workers, restaurant workers, taxi drivers, public transit workers, correctional workers, homeless shelter workers and residents, people with underlying health conditions, and anyone over 65 years old can get vaccinated. You can read the details of who’s in which phase here.
Phase 1C which will include more people at high-risk of the virus and all essential works is estimated to begin in March or April.
NYS anticipates that the vaccine will be available to the general public beginning this summer.
wILL THE VACCINE COST MONEY?
The vaccine is free, but vaccine providers are legally allowed to charge a fee for administering the vaccine.
If you have insurance, your insurance is legally required to cover the fee.
If you do not have insurance, your vaccine provider can ask the government to cover your fee, and you will not be charged. If you do not have insurance, make sure to select a vaccine provider that is participating in the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program. Most NYS vaccine providers are participating in the program, but it is best to confirm.
wILL MY IMMIGRATION STATUS MATTER?
No, you will not be required to disclose your immigration status in order to the receive the vaccine.
Receiving the vaccine will not impact your immigration status in any way. It is not considered a public charge. NYS is trying to vaccinate as many New Yorkers as quickly as possible for the safety of the public.
First, complete this NYS form. The form is just one page. It will ask for your first name, last name, birth date, zip code, and your job. Your vaccine provider will check that you submitted this form, and you may be required to provide proof of your job. Proof of your job includes an employee ID, employment contract, recent pay stub, or a letter from your employer.
Second, find a vaccine provider near you using this search tool.
Third, make an appointment. Many vaccine providers are already booked for several weeks, so you may have to try a couple different ones.
The vaccine will be administered in two doses two weeks apart. Ask your vaccine provider how to sign up for your second appointment.