Currently, two vaccines have been approved by the FDA: the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which now is marketed as Comirnaty, and the Moderna vaccine, which is named Spikevax. One COVID-19 vaccine have been authorized for emergency use by the FDA: Janssen/Johnson & Johnson.
All three have been approved by New York State’s independent Clinical Advisory Task Force.
The vaccines will be available at no cost.
Vaccines are available at pharmacies, hospitals and through local health departments statewide – please contact your provider of choice to schedule your vaccine appointment.
Additionally, there is a network of State-run sites distributing vaccine statewide – to determine eligibility and schedule appointments at New York State-run vaccination sites only visit the Am I Eligible app.
Successful completion of the Am I Eligible App does not guarantee you access to a vaccine.
New York State mass vaccination sites are also accepting walk-in appointments for all eligible individuals.
Individuals being vaccinated must provide proof of age. Learn more about what types of proof of identity are accepted.
For individuals younger than the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent for vaccination. A parent or legal guardian must provide verbal consent either while accompanying the minor to the vaccination appointment, or by phone at the time of the vaccination appointment. If the minor is 5-15 years old, they must arrive with a parent or guardian OR they need to bring another adult caregiver who has a signed designation from the parent or guardian and the parent/guardian must be available by phone.
All New York State mass vaccination sites are now welcoming walk-ins.
- Aqueduct Racetrack* – Racing Hall, 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, South Ozone Park, NY 11420
- Bronx Bay Eden Senior Center* – Bay Eden Senior Center, 1220 East 229th St., Bronx, NY 10466
- Crossgates Mall* – 1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany, NY 12203 (Former Lord & Taylor – Upper level)
- Good Samaritan Hospital – 255 Lafayette Ave., Suffern, NY 10901
- Medgar Evers College* – 231 Crown St., Brooklyn, NY 11225
- New York National Guard Armory* – 2 Quincy Place, Yonkers, NY 10701
- State Fair Arts & Home Center* – NYS Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse, NY 13209
- SUNY at Buffalo South Campus* – Harriman Hall, 3435 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14214
- SUNY Old Westbury* – 1 Apple Road, North Glen Head NY 11545
- SUNY Rochester Educational Opportunity Center*, 161 Chestnut St., Rochester, NY 14604
- SUNY Stony Brook* – 1500 Development Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794
- Westchester County Center – 198 Central Ave., White Plains, NY 10606
- Yankee Stadium – 1 E. 161st St., Bronx, NY
* indicates NYS mass vaccination sites vaccinating 5 – 11 year-old age group
Both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines require two shots. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires one shot.
Immunity
Researchers do not yet know how long immunity after vaccination lasts. That’s why you must continue to wear a mask, wash your hands regularly and social distance.
Potential Side Effects after the Vaccination
You may not notice any changes in how you feel after getting the shot. But it’s also possible to feel a little “under the weather.” This can happen after any vaccine. It is the body’s immune response to getting vaccinated and a sign that the vaccine is starting to work.
After the COVID-19 vaccine, you may have:
- A sore arm where you got the shot
- A headache
- Chills
- Fever
- Tiredness
Over the counter pain relievers and fever reducers may help.
You should feel better in a day or two. If you still don’t feel well after two or three days, talk to your health care provider.
Stopping this pandemic will require using all tools available. Wearing masks, hand washing, and social distancing help lower your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others. A vaccine will help your body fight the virus if you are exposed.
Experts need more time to understand the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide before deciding to change recommendations on mask use. Other factors, including how many people get vaccinated and how the virus is spreading in communities, will also affect this decision.