COVID-19: Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines remain our best protection against COVID-19. Even healthy people can become very sick from COVID-19 and should get vaccinated. People who have had COVID-19 before should still get vaccinated.
You can get a COVID-19 vaccine at any time of the year. The virus can spread all year, but it often spreads more in early winter and late summer.
Immunity to COVID-19 decreases over time, and circulating strains of the virus change, so getting the annual vaccine gives people updated protection.
Vaccination can help reduce the duration and severity of COVID-19 symptoms and reduces the risk of developing long COVID.
You can receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines, including flu and, if you are eligible, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The NYC Health Department follows the COVID-19 vaccination guidance released by the American Medical Association.
Who Should Get Vaccinated
The COVID-19 vaccines are especially lifesaving for young children, older adults, and people who are pregnant or have an underlying health condition that puts them at increased risk for severe outcomes.
Everyone ages 19 and older and children ages 6 to 23 months should get their annual COVID-19 vaccine.
Children ages 2 to 18 in a high-risk group or living with someone in a high-risk group should also get vaccinated. Parents or guardians may choose to vaccinate their children even if they don’t fall into one of these groups.
All adults ages 65 and older should get the annual vaccine and a second dose six months later. From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to July 2025, more than 75% of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. occurred among people ages 65 and older.
Where to Get Vaccinated
COVID-19 vaccinations are covered by Medicare, New York State Medicaid, and other health insurance plans. You should confirm with your health insurance plan where you can access vaccinations in network.
New Yorkers with no or limited health insurance can get low- to no cost vaccines, including at NYC H+H sites. You can also find low- to no-cost vaccination sites on the NYC Health Map when you filter by “Payment”.
Additional Resources
- COVID-19 Vaccines Are Still Our Best Defense (PDF)
Other Languages: Español | Русский | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Kreyòl ayisyen | 한국어 | বাংলা | Italiano | Polski | العربية | Français | ײִדיש | اردو - What You Need To Know About COVID-19, Flu, and RSV (PDF)
Other Languages: Español | Русский | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Kreyòl ayisyen | 한국어 | বাংলা | Italiano | Polski | العربية | Français | اردو| ײִדיש - Older Adults Should Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19, Flu, and RSV (PDF)
Other Languages: Español | Русский | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Kreyòl ayisyen | 한국어 | বাংলা | Italiano | Polski | العربية | Français | اردو| ײִדיש - Respiratory virus immunization recommendations (PDF): From leading medical associations
- Healthychildren.org: From the American Academy of Pediatrics
- Vaccine Education Center: From the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Every Stage Health: From the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy
- Vaccinate Your Family: Information, frequently asked questions, and stories from a nonprofit vaccine advocacy organization on COVID-19 and vaccination
- Shot By Shot: Personal stories of people who have been affected by COVID-19