Have a Conversation: Health Department Reminds Health Care Providers to Speak With Patients About Covid-19 Vaccine

April 27, 2021 — The Commissioner of Health today issued a letter to clinicians and healers reminding them talk to their patients about getting vaccinated and answer questions about the vaccine. The letter is also running in newspapers in both English and Spanish. Advertisements are also running online.

“Nurses, pharmacists, therapists, doulas, doctors, and other clinicians and healers are trusted community voices—and have a vital role in the effort to vaccinate New Yorkers,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “Our strong recommendation is a critical factor in whether a patient will get vaccinated against COVID-19. Together we can save lives and prevent further suffering.”

“The voices of clinicians and healers will be transformative during this critical phase of our vaccine campaign,” said Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “As we push forward with our equity goals, we at the Health Department are honored to support clinicians and healers as they support New Yorkers in making the decision to get vaccinated.”

The letter will go to tens of thousands of providers serving New Yorkers. The City will promote the need for these important conversations with a digital ad campaign targeting providers, webinars and partnerships with professional associations.

Providers who want to find out more, including tools to have these conversations, please visit nyc.gov/VaccineTalks.

Providers can now also help their patients get an appointment, Health providers can call 877-VAX-4-NYC and press 2 to be directed to an operator who will help book an appointment for patients on the spot.

All New Yorkers 16 and older are now eligible to get the COVID-19vaccine. New Yorkers can make a vaccine appointment at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov, call 877-VAX-4-NYC or walk in at any City-run site and get vaccinated.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Patrick Gallahue / Michael Lanza,
PressOffice@health.nyc.gov