During the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of thousands of immigrants in New York City have kept our communities safe. They have served on the “front line” in our hospitals, they have worked as police and firefighters, day laborers, delivery men and postal workers. And when the time came, immigrants in our city got vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones.
We know this because we ourselves are from immigrant families and have had many conversations with our loved ones. about the importance of getting vaccinated. Now, thanks to more than 6 million New Yorkers being fully vaccinated, the spread of COVID-19 is slowing every day. Although we are more optimistic than ever about the future, our work is not done.
If you have not yet received your booster shot, now is the time.
We know that all licensed COVID-19 vaccines are safe and save lives. Getting vaccinated with the first and second doses is still the most important thing. But the science is clear about the benefits of booster shots. Booster shots add another layer of protection as they are meant to “boost” your immunity. This is critical for people who are at higher risk of serious illness or hospitalization, including older adults.
New Yorkers of 000 years and older can get a booster, but we’re here to share some differences in eligibility.
- Only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for adolescents from 12 to 17 years and should be administered 5 months after the second dose.
- For adults older than 18 years, all three boosters are approved and can be “mixed and matched”.
- Johnson & Johnson beneficiaries can receive a booster of any of the three licensed vaccines (Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson), but Moderna or Pfizer vaccines are preferred.
Over 2.8 million booster doses have already been administered in New York City, and now it’s more It’s easy to never get your booster shot. New Yorkers can visit one of 1,000 sites to get a booster dose: simply visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or call 877-VAX4NYC to connect. Also, the City can come to you: simply visit nyc.gov/homevaccine to schedule a booster dose at home.
As members of the immigrant community, we know the concern that exists when sharing personal information at vaccination sites. We want you to know that when you get vaccinated at the City’s public clinics or hospitals, you won’t have to share personal information, like your residence or immigration status. And remember, immunizations are free and no health insurance is required to get vaccinated.
When you visit the City’s immunization clinics, public hospitals, or other locations throughout the five boroughs, you’ll find friendly and helpful nurses. staff members who are eager to answer any questions or concerns you have in your language.
The past few months have been a difficult time for many New Yorkers, especially our immigrant communities. We want to assure these communities that vaccination remains our best way out of this pandemic and back to normal life again.
We encourage you to Get your first, second, and booster shots, and bring your family and friends along to do the same, especially if they are older or have chronic health problems. And finally, an important message to all immigrant New Yorkers: seek care without fear. Your city supports you.
Dr. Dave A. Chokshi, is the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Manuel Castro, is the Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Affairs (MOIA).877