Dear Neighbor,

The updated COVID-19 Bivalent Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were approved in the fall of last year and the initial dose was administered starting in September. Many of you have contacted my office asking about when it would be time to get another dose of the Bivalent vaccine to ensure that maximum protection is maintained against severe health outcomes and hospitalization from the Coronavirus. Please see below for important updates about the vaccines.

Best,

Liz Krueger

State Senator

COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine Updates

As you may have heard, the FDA and CDC have issued authorization for people 65+ and certain people who are immunocompromised to receive an additional dose of the COVID-19 Bivalent vaccine at this time. Please click here to view the FDA press release and click here to view the CDC press release. 

If you are age 65+ and it has been at least 4 months since you received the initial dose of the Bivalent vaccine, you are now eligible for an additional dose. 

Certain people who are immunocompromised are now eligible for an additional single dose of the COVID-19 Bivalent vaccine if it has been at least 2 months since receiving a prior dose of the Bivalent vaccine. If you have questions about whether you are eligible at this time for an additional dose due to being immunocompromised, please see the following resources and speak with your healthcare provider:

• COVID-19 Vaccines for People Who Are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised (CDC)
• Booster Doses: Frequently Asked Questions for Immunocompromised New Yorkers (NYS Department of Health)

Please Note: Monovalent (original) mRNA COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be recommended for use in the United States.

COVID-19 Bivalent Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are being administered at local pharmacies and by certain health care providers. To find a vaccine site and schedule an appointment, the following online search tools are available:

• NYC Vaccine Finder: Find COVID-19 and flu vaccine sites online or call 877-829-4692
• Local and Nationwide vaccine sites: https://www.vaccines.gov/search/
• CVS Pharmacy: Call 800-746-7287 or Schedule Online
• Rite Aid Pharmacy: Call 800-748-3243 or Schedule Online
• Walgreens Pharmacy: Call 800-925-4733 or Schedule Online

In-home vaccinations continue to be available for NYC residents age 5+ who are homebound or age 65+ (Pfizer vaccine only). You can sign up online or call 877-829-4692 to request an in-home COVID-19 Bivalent Pfizer vaccine. As a friendly reminder, at least one week after you request an in-home vaccination, you will receive a call to schedule the appointment.

If you are eligible for an additional dose of the Bivalent vaccine, and you are uncertain whether to get vaccinated now or to wait, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina is an Epidemiologist who has written a helpful piece that addresses  Should I get a Spring booster?

Retail COVID-19 At-Home Rapid Tests

Covered by Health Insurance

Individuals with participating commercial health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid have been able to get 8 COVID-19 at-home rapid tests per month from local pharmacies, which are covered or reimbursed by health insurance. This coverage benefit will expire once the Public Health Emergency ends on May 11, 2023.

This has been a very useful benefit, as at-home rapid tests can be expensive when purchased at retail price, and testing continues to be an important and effective way to prevent spread of the Coronavirus.

If you have not picked up 8 at-home rapid tests from your local retail pharmacy within the past 30 days, I encourage you to use this coverage benefit and stock up on at-home rapid tests.