*[image: Inline image 1]*







Dear Neighbor,



This email focuses on health updates, upcoming events, and useful resources.



Stay safe and healthy. As always, if you have any questions or need
assistance, please email or call my office at [email protected] or
212-490-9535. If you need assistance with an unemployment issue, please click
here to complete an unemployment intake web form
<[link removed]>
so that my office can provide assistance:



Best,



Liz Krueger

State Senator









*Save the Dates: Senator Krueger’s Virtual Senior Resource Fair*

*October 25th, 26th and 27th*



Tuesday, October 25th 2 pm – 3:30 pm

Reach Out Beyond Loneliness: How to Build Networks and Find Community



Wednesday, October 26th 2pm – 3:30 pm

Essential Movement for Older People: Keeping the Body Strong and Healthy



Thursday, October 27th 2 pm – 3:30 pm

Engage in the Arts: Nurture Your Creative Spirit



*You can attend one, two or all three events. For more information or to
RSVP, visit **[link removed]*
<[link removed]>*.*








*Health Update Contents:*

· COVID-19 Vaccine Updates <#covidvaccineupdates>

· COVID-19 Resources <#covid19resources>

· COVID-19 Updates <#covid19updates>

· Monkeypox Updates <#monkeypox>

· Poliovirus Updates <#poliovirusupdates>



*Community Update Contents:*

· 2022 Election & Voting Updates <#m_4834321690110804701_link_4>

· Online & In-Person Meetings, Town Halls, and Webinars
<#m_4834321690110804701_link_5>

· COVID-19 and the Economy <#m_4834321690110804701_link_6>

· Physical and Mental Health Care, Health Insurance, Public Health,
Research <#m_4834321690110804701_link_7>

· Food <#m_4834321690110804701_link_8>

· Housing <#m_4834321690110804701_link_9>

· Jobs, Job Training, Residencies, Internships, Fellowships
<#m_4834321690110804701_link_11>

· Donation and Volunteer Opportunities <#m_4834321690110804701_link_13>

· Social and Legal Services <#m_4834321690110804701_link_14>

· Resources for Older Adults & Caregivers
<#m_4834321690110804701_link_15>

· Resources for Small Businesses & Non-Profits
<#m_4834321690110804701_link_16>

· In-Person & Virtual Community Activities <#inperson>









*COVID-19 Vaccine Updates*



· *New Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Shots:* The new Bivalent Moderna and
Pfizer booster shots are now being administered at community vaccine sites,
including pharmacies and NYC Health + Hospital vaccine sites. Individuals
age 12+ who completed their initial COVID-19 vaccine series or received
their last booster shot at least two months ago are eligible for the new
booster shot. The Bivalent Moderna vaccine has been approved for use with
adults age 18+ and the Bivalent Pfizer vaccine has been approved for use
with individuals age 12+.



This is an ideal time to get the new Bivalent COVID-19 booster shot, as
well as a flu shot, as the winter months are approaching and our COVID-19
case and hospitalization rates are generally decreasing. *To schedule an
appointment, please see the COVID-19 vaccination resources below. *

Back to Table of Contents <#TableOfContents>





*COVID-19 Resources*



*COVID-19 Vaccinations*

· General Vaccine Information and Eligibility
<[link removed]>

· NYC Vaccine Finder <[link removed]>: Find COVID-19
and flu vaccine sites online or call 877-829-4692

· NYC Health + Hospitals Vaccine Sites*:* Call 877-829-4692 or Schedule
Online
<[link removed]>

· Local and Nationwide vaccine sites: [link removed]

· CVS Pharmacy: Call 800-746-7287 or Schedule Online
<[link removed]>

· Rite Aid Pharmacy: Call 800-748-3243 or Schedule Online
<[link removed]>

· Walgreens Pharmacy: Call 800-925-4733 or Schedule Online
<[link removed]>

· Request an in-home vaccination, including the new Bivalent Pfizer
booster shot, (Pfizer vaccine only) if you are an NYC resident who is
homebound or age 65+. Sign up online <[link removed]>
or by calling 877-820-4692.



*COVID-19 Testing*

· Find NYC Health + Hospital Testing Sites
<[link removed]>

· Check the wait time at NYC Health + Hospital Testing Sites
<[link removed]>

· NYC COVID-19 Test Site Finder <[link removed]>

· Find a COVID-19 Test Site in New York State
<[link removed]>



*COVID-19 Treatment*

· Visit the NYC Health Department COVID-19: When You Are Sick
<[link removed]> web page for
information about how to access available treatment if you contract
COVID-19 or Long COVID.



*COVID-19 Data*

· NYC COVID-19 Alert Level System
<[link removed]>

· NYC Health Department COVID-19 Data
<[link removed]>

· NYS Health Department COVID-19 Data
<[link removed]>

· CDC COVID-19 Data
<[link removed]>

· Check the transmission level in your neighborhood at: NYC Health
Department COVID-19 data web page
<[link removed]>.
Click “Transmission” and then “Your Neighborhood.”



*COVID-19 Supplies*

· *Currently Suspended as of 9/2** - Order free COVID-19 at-home rapid
testing kits from the federal government:* Order online
<[link removed]> or call 800-232-0233. This program was
suspended due to lack of funding from Congress. The federal COVID.gov
website states that orders placed for tests before September 2 will be
fulfilled. Please see the FAQ web page <[link removed]>
for additional details.

· *Pick up free COVID-19 at-home rapid tests from City-distribution
sites.* Click here to see a list of community sites and times when you can
pick up a free rapid test kit
<[link removed]>.

· COVID.gov: <[link removed]> a federal website where you can
look up information on where to get free masks, as well as COVID-19
vaccinations, treatment, and testing.

Back to Table of Contents <#TableOfContents>





*COVID-19 Updates*



Since my last COVID-19 update, case, hospitalization, and fatality rates
have been gradually but steadily decreasing. During the past week,
transmission rates have started to level off, but it is premature to say if
this pattern reflects a changing trend. At this time, we are experiencing
some changes in variant activity in the U.S. BA.5, which has been the
dominant strain since July, is evidencing a slight decline, while two new
Omicron subvariants, BA.4.6 and BA.2.75
<[link removed]>
have started to increase. As of September 10, 75% of cases in NYS were
caused by BA.5, 14% by BA.4.6, 3% by BA.4, 1% by BA.2/BA.2.12, and 8% by
“other.”



If you are uncertain what safety measures should be followed to protect
yourself, please visit this NYC Health Department web page
<[link removed]> to view prevention
guidance. Staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots,
wearing a mask in public indoor settings, testing for the Coronavirus,
maintaining good air ventilation, staying home if sick, and hand washing
continue to be important preventative measures.



· *Federal Trade Commission Update*

Ø Free COVID test scam targets people on Medicare
<[link removed]>



· *CDC Updates: *

Ø Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters
<[link removed]>

Ø COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Safety Among Children Aged 6 Months–5 Years
<[link removed]> —
United States, June 18, 2022–August 21, 2022



· *FDA Updates*

Ø COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine Boosters
<[link removed]>

Back to Table of Contents <#TableOfContents>



*Monkeypox Updates*



As of September 16, 3,454 cases of Monkeypox
<[link removed]>
were confirmed in New York City. The good news is that the number of daily
new cases continues to steadily decline, and the supply of the JYNNEOS
vaccine continues to increase. At this time, vaccine eligibility has been
expanded as follows:

· *Second dose appointments are now open* to anyone who received their
first dose at least 28 days ago.

· *People under the age of* *18 who meet all other eligibility
criteria* are eligible for the JYNNEOS vaccine.

*Minors require consent for vaccination:*

Ø Unless the minor is part of a group to whom the law gives the right to
consent to their own care, such as married minors, minors who are parents
or pregnant, and minors in the military.

Ø For people ages 16 or 17, such consent should be provided either in
person or by phone, at the time of the vaccine appointment.

Ø For minors age 15 or younger, an adult caregiver must accompany the
minor. The parent or guardian must still provide consent by phone at the
time of the appointment or by written statement.

· Eligibility for the JYNNEOS vaccine *has also expanded* *to people
who meet all of the following conditions*:

Ø People who have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14
days and identify as at least one of the following:

o Gay, bisexual, or other man (cisgender or transgender) who has sex with
cis or transgender men or transgender women.

o Transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary (regardless of
the gender of your sex partners).

o Sex workers and anyone engaging in survival sex or any other types of
transactional sex (including sex in exchange for money, food, shelter or
other goods) of any sexual orientation or gender identity.



*To make an appointment to get the JYNNEOS vaccine*, you can schedule
online using NYC Vaccine Finder <[link removed]> or call
877-829-4692. *Walk-ins for first doses are welcome at City-run sites*,
however, the NYC Health Department recommends making an appointment in
advance. Visit the NYC Health Department Monkeypox Vaccination
<[link removed]>
web page for additional details.



· *NYC Health Department Resources*

Ø Monkeypox Guidance and Resources for Residential Congregate Settings
<[link removed]>



· *NYS Health Department Resources*

Ø Monkeypox web pages
<[link removed]>

Ø Monkeypox Guidance and Resources for Residential Congregate Settings
<[link removed]>



· *CDC Updates*

Ø Monkeypox web pages <[link removed]>



· *FDA Updates*

Ø FDA Monkeypox Response
<[link removed]>

Back to Table of Contents <#TableOfContents>



*Poliovirus Updates*



On September 9, *Governor Hochul issued an **Executive Order*
<[link removed]>*,
declaring a state disaster emergency *in order to help increase the
percentage of New Yorkers vaccinated against polio by expanding who can
administer the vaccinations. This Executive action was taken in response to
detecting poliovirus in wastewater samples from Rockland County, Orange
County, Sullivan County, New York City, and Nassau County. *Click here*
<[link removed]>*
to view the press release.*



*Due to this evidence of polio spreading in the community, New Yorkers who
are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated against poliovirus are urged to
get vaccinated at this time. *

· The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is the one vaccine that is
available in the U.S. IPV contains no live virus, and is safe and effective
– it protects 99% - 100% of people who are fully vaccinated against polio.

*The following is the IPV immunization schedule by age provided by the CDC:
*

Ø *All children: *Children should receive four doses of the IPV, one dose
each at the age of 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years of
age. Vaccine
Schedule for Parents
<[link removed]>

Ø *People starting the polio immunization series after 4 years of age *who
are unvaccinated or are unsure if they have been immunized should receive a
total of 3 doses. Catch-Up Guidance for Children age 4 months – 17 years
<[link removed]>

Ø *Adults who have only had 1 or 2 doses of the polio vaccine *in the past
should get the remaining 1 or 2 doses – it does not matter how long it has
been since the earlier doses.

Ø *In addition, adults who live or work in the areas where poliovirus has
been detected (Rockland County, Orange County, New York City, Sullivan
County, and Nassau County) and don't believe they are vaccinated should get
vaccinated*.

· *All New Yorkers who are unvaccinated, including children by 2
months of age, those who are pregnant, and people who have not completed
their polio vaccine series previously*, should get immunized right away.
Unvaccinated New Yorkers or those not up to date with immunizations who
live, work, go to school in, or visit Rockland County, Orange County, New
York City, Sullivan County, and Nassau County are at the highest risk of
contracting paralytic disease.

· *At this time, the following New Yorkers who have previously
completed their polio vaccine series should receive one lifetime booster
dose of IPV*:

Ø Individuals who will or might have close contact with a person known or
suspected to be infected with poliovirus or such person's household members
or other close contacts.

Ø Healthcare providers working in areas where poliovirus has been detected
(Rockland County, Orange County, Sullivan County, New York City, or Nassau
County) who might handle specimens that might contain polioviruses or who
treat patients who might have polio (e.g., urgent care, emergency
department, neurology, virology laboratory workers).

Ø Individuals with occupational exposure to wastewater can consider a
booster.



*If you or your child have not received all four doses of the IPV, I urge
you to do so right away.* Polio symptoms range from mild to severe,
including paralysis and death.



If you have questions or need to get vaccinated, please contact your health
care provider or your child's Pediatrician. *If you or your child do not
have a primary care physician, you can call 844-692-4692 for help finding
one*. Make an appointment for children age 4 and above here
<[link removed]>.



· *NYC Health Department Resources*

Ø Polio web page
<[link removed]>



· *NYS Health Department Resources*

Ø Polio web page <[link removed]>



· *CDC Resources*

Ø Polio Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know
<[link removed].>

Back to Table of Contents <#TableOfContents>







*2022 Election & Voting Updates*



The general election is Tuesday, November, 8, and early voting will take
place from October 29 to November 6. If you need an absentee ballot for the
election, you can request it here: [link removed].



· *Voting Resources*

o Look up your Early Voting and Primary Election Day Poll Sites and View
a Sample Ballot: [link removed]

o Track your absentee ballot: [link removed]

o NYC Board of Elections: 1-866-868-3692

Back to Table of Contents <#TableOfContents>







*Online & In-Person Meetings, Town Halls, and Webinars*



· *Rent Stabilization 101 with Tenants and Neighbors on September 21
at 6PM. *This training is designed to provide participants with a basic
understanding of the rent stabilization system in New York:

o What is rent stabilization, and how do I know if I’m living in a rent
stabilized unit?

o How do rent increases work?

o What are my rights?

Ellen Davidson, staff attorney with the Legal Aid Society, will be
presenting and available to answer questions. Register at:
[link removed]



· *New York City Redistricting Commission Meeting to Vote on Revised
District Lines September 22 at 11AM at 22 Reade Street. *Following the
publication of a Preliminary Plan for the City Council in July, the
Commission held another round of public hearings in August and has received
a total of nearly 9,000 submissions of public testimony, via in-person,
Zoom, e-mail and mail. Based on the public testimony and the NYC Charter
criteria, the Commission has created a Revised Plan. Under the NYC
Charter, the Commission must submit this Revised Plan to the City Council.
The Commission is scheduled to vote to publish this Revised Plan and submit
it to the City Council on Sept. 22nd. For more information visit
nyc.gov/districting <[link removed]>. I
submitted testimony on the proposed district lines which is available here:
[link removed]
.



· *Medicare Minute: Changing Part D Plans, Thursday October 20th,
3:00-3:30: *Your prescription drug coverage can change from year to year
and comparing Part D plans yearly is shown to save people money. During
this Medicare Minute, you’ll learn how to choose and change Part D plans,
both during Fall Open Enrollment and beyond. Hosted by the Medicare Rights
Center. To register, visit
[link removed]. If you do not
already have a Medicare Interactive profile, you will need to set one up in
order to register.



· *East Sixties Neighborhood Association Virtual Annual Meeting,
Thursday October 20, 6:30 p.m.:* To view the event, go to
www.facebook.com/esnanyc. To attend by phone, call 212-755-1296 before noon
on Tuesday October 18 for call-in information.

Back to Table of Contents <#TableOfContents>







*COVID-19 and the Economy*



· New York by the Numbers - Monthly Economic and Fiscal Outlook
<[link removed]>,
by NYC Comptroller Brad Lander

Back to Table of Contents <#TableOfContents>







*Physical and Mental Health Care, Health Insurance, Public Health, Research*



· *Do More, Feel Better – A Community Program Against Depression:*
People 60+ experiencing depression can enroll in a nine-week research
program to explore how increasing participation in pleasurable and
rewarding activities can lead to improvement in depressive symptoms. The
program is conducted by Weill Cornell Medicine
<[link removed]>,
and individual sessions will be completed via telephone or video chat. If
you are eligible to participate, you will receive compensation over the
course of the program. *For more information, contact Kiana, Caroline, or
the study team at 844-333-3579 ext. 720 / ext. 714 or *
*[email protected]* <[email protected]>*.*

Back to Table of Contents <#TableOfContents>







*Food*



· *Greenmarkets:* The 94th Street Greenmarket
<[link removed]>, on 1st Avenue
at 94th Street in Manhattan is now open on Sundays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This is a temporary location due to construction on 92nd Street.



The 82nd Street Greenmarket
<[link removed]> on East 82nd
Street between First and York is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.



The Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Greenmarket
<[link removed]> at 2nd
Avenue and 47th Street is open Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m.



The Union Square Greenmarket
<[link removed]> is open
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m.



GrowNYC farmers markets are a great chance for community members to access
the freshest, most nutritious locally-grown food the region has to offer.



Please note that shoppers can use their SNAP/EBT/P-EBT benefits at the
market! When customers spend $2 in SNAP/EBT/P-EBT, they receive a bonus $2
Health Buck (up to $10 per day) to purchase additional fruits and
vegetables!



· *NYC Neighborhood Food Resource Guides:* Hunter College New York
City Food Policy Center has compiled these resource guides to help New
Yorkers find free and low-cost food resources in their community, as well
as social services and additional resources for New Yorkers.

o NYC Food Resource Guide: Upper East Side
<[link removed]>

o NYC Food Resource Guide: Midtown
<[link removed]>

o NYC Food Resource Guide: Stuyvesant Town/Turtle Bay
<[link removed]>

Back to Table of Contents <#TableOfContents>







*Housing*



· *Affordable Housing Lotteries: *You can view open affordable housing
lotteries on the NYC Housing Connect website here:
[link removed]



· *Tower West Mitchell Lama Rental – Waiting List Opening: *Tower
West, located at 65 West 96th Street, is accepting applications for the
waiting list for one-, two- and three bedroom apartments. Households must
meet income and family size requirements. Click here
<[link removed]> for details and to apply.



· *Henry Phipps Plaza South – Waiting List Opening*: Henry Phipps
Plaza South, located in the Kips Bay area of Manhattan, is pleased to
announce that applications are now being accepted for studio, one, two,
three, and four-bedroom apartments for the waiting list. Households must
meet the income and family size requirements. Click Here
<[link removed]> to view occupancy and income
guidelines, additional details, and to apply.



· *NYC Housing Recovery Office (HRO) – *the deadline to apply for
HRO's *Hurricane Ida Supplemental Funding Program* has been extended to
10/3. More information on the program can be found here:
[link removed].
If you have any questions call (212) 615-8329.



· *NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) *hosts *Buildings After Hours*,
their in-person information session with DOB staff every Tuesday from 4 – 7
pm in each local DOB borough office. (Manhattan’s DOB office is at 280
Broadway, 4th Floor). More details are available here:
[link removed].

Back to Table of Contents <#TableOfContents>



*Jobs, Job Training, Residencies, Internships, Fellowships*



· *New York State Career Center Events and Recruitment:* New York's
Career Centers offer a variety of classes, workshops, job fairs, job clubs
including virtual career fairs and virtual workshops, including
informational sessions on a variety of topics.For a complete schedule,
visit [link removed].

Back to Table of Contents <#TableOfContents>







*Volunteer and Donation Opportunities*



· *Donation Drive for Asylum Seekers: *Manhattan Borough President
Mark Levine and the New York Immigration Coalition are sponsoring a
clothing and toiletry donation drive for newly arrived asylum seekers,
migrants and immigrants.

o *What to Donate: Toiletries *(body wash, shampoo, conditioner,
deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving cream, nail clippers,
menstrual products (unopened), baby/body wipes, bath towels, face cloths,
diapers). *New and Packaged Clothing *(underwear, socks, t-shirts for men,
women and children).

o *Where to Donate: *1 Centre Street, 19th Foor, South Side, M-F 9am-5pm
or 431 West 125th Street, M-F 10am-5pm.

For questions or information, vitsit tinyurl.com/57bfye67
<[link removed]>, email [email protected] or call 212-669-8300.



· *Volunteer Opportunities for those interested in helping Asylum
Seekers:*

o NYC/Catholic Charities is looking for people to volunteer at the asylum
seeker navigation center: [link removed]
<[link removed]>

o NY Immigration Coalition: [link removed]

o Grannies Respond (one of the primary groups greeting people at Port
Authority): [link removed]

Back to Table of Contents <#TableOfContents>







*Social and Legal Services*



· The *State Comptroller’s Office *administers the *NYS Achieving a
Better Life Experience (NY ABLE) program* *which allows eligible New
Yorkers with disabilities *to *save for qualified short-term and long-term
disability-related expenses* on a tax-free basis while also keeping
Medicaid, SSI and other government benefits. Disability-related expenses
are costly and can make it hard to save for long-term financial security;
NY ABLE can help. For details, visit [link removed].

Back to Table of Contents <#TableOfContents>







*Resources for Older Adults & Caregivers*



· *Classes for Seniors in New York City: *If you’re an older adult in
New York, you can take part in live, in-person
<[link removed]>
and online
classes <[link removed]> to learn
new skills, discover ways to save money, and find a community where you can
get in shape and make new friends. Senior Planet offers courses, programs,
and activities that enhance the lives of older adults. Please join us! Got
questions? Call our Senior Planet in NYC hotline:(917) 936-4410

Back to Table of Contents <#TableOfContents>







*Resources for Small Businesses and Non-Profits*



· *The PACE Small Business Development Center* provides no-cost,
one-on-one business counseling to entrepreneurs in New York City. Our
advisors guide both existing small business owners as well as entrepreneurs
with emerging ventures and discuss a range of topics including marketing,
digital media, financing, business planning, government contracting, and
more. Sign up here to schedule an appointment:
[link removed]. They also host regular webinars on
issues impacting businesses which can be viewed here:
[link removed].

Back to Table of Contents <#TableOfContents>







*In-Person & Virtual Community Activities*



· *Community Board 8 Manhattan Presents the Fall Outdoor Art Show:* On
October 15th at James Cagney Place, East 91st Street (b/t 2nd and 3rd
Avenues). The exhibition with feature paintings, photography and crafts*.
If you would like to share your artwork*, submit an image to [email protected]
by September 23rd with “Art Submission” in the subject line.



· *City Parks Foundation Programs:*

o *Senior Fitness Classes* for those 60+ at NYC parks. In Manhattan, they
offer yoga in Carl Schurz Park and tennis in Central Park, among many other
classes. View more classes and register at
[link removed]
or contact [email protected] or call (718) 760-6999 with any
questions.



o *Partnerships for Parks, It’s My Park Program:* The It’s My Park
program provides opportunities to help care for parks across the city by
lending a hand to beautify a neighborhood green space. Volunteer
opportunities are available for individuals and groups year-round. Click
here for more information
<[link removed]>.



· Lincoln Center calendar of events
<[link removed]>

Back to Table of Contents <#TableOfContents>







*District Office*: 211 East 43rd Street, Suite 1201 | New York, NY 10017
<[link removed]>
|
(212) 490-9535 | Fax: (212) 499-2558
*Albany Office*: Legislative Office Building, Room 808 | Albany, NY 12247 |
(518) 455-2297 | Fax: (518) 426-6874
*Email*: [email protected] | *On the Web*:
[link removed]
<[link removed]>
*Facebook* <[link removed]>:
/statesenatorlizkrueger | *Twitter* <[link removed]>:
@LizKrueger | *Instagram* <[link removed]>:
@senatorlizkrueger
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