Emergency Medication Distribution: Points of Dispensing (PODS)
During a pandemic flu outbreak, bioterrorism attack or other public health emergency, you can get free medication, vaccinations and medical supplies at one of the City’s Point of Dispensing (POD) sites. PODs can quickly distribute medication and supplies to a large number of people in a short period of time in order to prevent illness.
PODs are designed to prevent healthy people from getting sick during a public health emergency. You should only go to one if you have been potentially exposed to an agent or disease. They will not treat people who are already sick.
PODs will only open during a public health emergency that requires the Health Department to quickly hand out medication to a large number of people.
Visiting a POD
If you visit a POD during an emergency, you will not need identification to receive medication or supplies.
If a POD is distributing pills, one person may pick up medicine for themselves and up to five other people. If PODs are vaccinating people, then every person requiring a vaccine must go to a POD.
Be sure you have the following information for yourself and anyone for whom you are picking up medicine before you go to a POD:
- Medical conditions
- Current medications
- Allergies
- Weights and ages
PODs will be located at schools throughout the five boroughs. Not every school is a POD site, but there will be at least one POD site located at a school near you.
Anthrax Screening Forms
If PODs are activated in response to an anthrax attack, you will need to complete a screening form to get medication at a POD.
You can download a form below to print and fill out before going to a POD, or you can pick up a form once you get to a POD site.
- Point of Dispensing Antibiotic Screening Form for Anthrax Medication (PDF)
Other Languages: العربية | বাংলা | Français | Kreyòl ayisyen | Italiano | 한국어 | Polski | Русский | 简体中文 | 中文 | Español | اردو | ײִדיש - Anthrax Response Guide (PDF)
Other Languages: العربية | বাংলা | Kreyòl ayisyen | Italiano | 한국어 | Polski | Русский | 中文 | 简体中文 | Español | اردو | ײִדיש
POD Updates During an Emergency
To get up-to-date information about how to get medication and supplies during a public health emergency:
- Sign up for free notifications through Notify NYC.
- Check nyc.gov.
- Tune in to local TV and radio stations.