Staying Safe From COVID
Even as we remove our masks and begin to enjoy some of the things that feel normal, COVID-19 continues to be a risk to your health and that of your family and community.
The vaccine helps our immune systems practice fighting COVID, so we can avoid serious illness and live our lives. It’s the reason why we’re unmasking and resuming activities that were unthinkable over the last two years.
Keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Vaccines are proven to have saved countless lives and greatly reduce the risk of hospitalization and severe illness from COVID-19.
By choosing to get vaccinated, you are choosing to protect yourself, your family, your friends, and your community from COVID-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the vaccine and how does it work?
The COVID-19 vaccine offers you a safe way to help build protection against COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine works by helping your body create an immune response to the coronavirus without having to experience the illness.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe and effective?
Yes. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. The COVID-19 vaccine has undergone large-scale clinical trials and intensive safety monitoring that all vaccines must go through before being approved for use. Even after a vaccine is approved for use, more assessments are done by trusted health experts and agencies to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get a vaccine?
No, you do not need to be a U.S. citizen to get a COVID-19 vaccine in New York State. The COVID-19 vaccine is free and available to all New Yorkers, regardless of race, gender, or immigration status.
If I already had COVID-19, do I still need to get vaccinated?
Yes. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, vaccine should be offered to you regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 infection.
How can I prevent COVID-19?
Getting vaccinated, staying home, washing your hands often, avoiding close contact, wearing a mask, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces often. Health officials also recommend getting tested for COVID-19 once a month or as recommended by your health care provider or employer, regardless of whether you have symptoms.
How is the COVID-19 vaccine administered?
The COVID-19 vaccine is injected into the upper part of the arm, and the number of doses you receive will depend on which COVID-19 vaccine you get. Before and after getting vaccinated, you should receive more information about the specific COVID-19 vaccine you will receive, the date you received it, and where you received it.