Don’t Have a Lonely Barbecue – Get Vaccinated by This Weekend to Be Protected for July 4 Celebrations

May 23 is the last day to get your Moderna shot and May 30 for Pfizer to be fully vaccinated by July 4

If you want to enjoy July 4, independent of masks and distancing, get your shot now

May 19, 2021 — The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene encourages New Yorkers to enjoy July 4 with the full protection of vaccination. However, to meet the deadline for the full course of vaccination, New Yorkers must get their shot of Moderna by May 23 or May 30 for Pfizer. Once fully vaccinated, New Yorkers can gather more safely, particularly outdoors without masks or physical distancing, according to the latest guidance from CDC.

“Vaccination will light up your life far brighter than any fireworks,” declared Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A Chokshi. “But to gather safely, you should be fully vaccinated, so this is your shot to have the best 4th of July yet.”

To be considered “fully vaccinated” New Yorkers must let three to four weeks elapse between the first and second doses for Pfizer and Moderna respectively and for two weeks to pass after the second dose. Once fully vaccinated, CDC guidance states that New Yorkers can more safely gather – particularly with other fully vaccinated people – without masks or six feet of distance, which would make picnics and barbecues far less sad.

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