Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced eligibility for second COVID-19 vaccine booster doses. Booster doses are free and widely available statewide, including at all state-run mass vaccination sites. Eligible New Yorkers may receive an mRNA vaccine, either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, for their second booster shot.<\/p>\n
“Second boosters are now available to eligible New Yorkers statewide, including at all of the State’s mass vaccination sites,” Governor Hochul stated, adding, “Getting vaccinated and staying up-to-date with all recommended doses is the most effective way to prevent severe illness and hospitalization, and move safely forward through this pandemic.”<\/p>\n
The State’s Department of Health released new clinical guidance on the administration of second booster doses for all providers enrolled in the New York State vaccination program. The guidance follows the Federal Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of Emergency Use Authorization for a second booster and the updated recommendation from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to allow adults 50 years and older to receive a second booster of an mRNA vaccine at least four months after their first booster.<\/p>\n
Additionally, adults ages 18 – 49 years who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for their primary vaccine and initial booster dose now may receive a second booster four months after their first booster dose. Also eligible for the second booster are New Yorkers 12 years and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.<\/p>\n
State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, “Providers statewide, including at the state’s mass vaccination sites, are ready to administer second booster doses for eligible New Yorkers. For each of us, vaccination remains our personal best line of defense against COVID. As we have seen with the recent increase of the Omicron sub-variant BA.2, COVID is still with us. These safe and effective vaccines remain free, including the second booster.”<\/p>\n
The New York State Department of Health continues to share CDC’s recommendation that all eligible adults, adolescents, and children five years and older get fully vaccinated and receive an initial COVID-19 booster when eligible. For eligible New Yorkers, a first booster dose is safe and continues to provide strong protection against severe outcomes. <\/span><\/p>\n According to CDC data from the recent Omicron surge, those who were boosted were 21-times less likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those who were unvaccinated, and seven-times less likely to be hospitalized. In accordance with CDC’s recommendation, the State’s updated guidance acknowledges the increased risk of severe disease for certain populations, making a second mRNA booster available for those who may choose to increase their protection further.<\/p>\n The State’s booster and additional dose website includes information for New Yorkers about first and second boosters, additional doses, eligibility, frequently asked questions, and resources for providers on-the-ground. The State will continue its outreach to booster-eligible New Yorkers through SMS-based messages, traditional and digital marketing efforts, and push notifications through the State’s Excelsior Pass platform.<\/p>\n