The new COVID-19 vaccine for the 2024-25 season is now available in New York State, it was announced by Governor Kathy Hochul this week.
All eligible New Yorkers — especially those who are 65 and older, are at risk for severe COVID-19, or have never received a COVID-19 vaccine — are encouraged to get the vaccine as students return to school, and ahead of the respiratory illness season.
The governor and New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald also announced the commissioner’s standing order allowing all eligible New Yorkers to receive the new COVID-19 vaccine at any pharmacy in New York State without a prescription from their individual health care provider.
“Now is the time to get the new COVID-19 vaccine to help protect your family and your community,” Hochul said. “As in years past, we’re putting health first and making it easy for all eligible New Yorkers to get the new vaccine at any pharmacy statewide.”
“Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective protection against being admitted to a hospital or suffering from Long COVID,” McDonald said, “so I’m once again encouraging all those eligible to prioritize their health and get vaccinated. As we enter the fall season, when respiratory viruses circulate, New Yorkers should get the vaccine to protect themselves from COVID-19 so they can risk less and live well.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended the 2024-25 COVIVD-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older who has not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past two months to protect against potentially serious illness from COVID-19. Recommended dosages and the schedule vary depending on age, immune status and COVID-19 vaccine history.
Under the Affordable Care Act, most private health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid plans cover COVID-19 vaccines without cost-sharing when received at an in-network provider or pharmacy. Those who are uninsured, or whose insurance does not cover the updated vaccine, will have access to the shots free of charge through community health centers or local health departments participating in the New York State Department of Health Vaccines for Adults program.
The general public is also encouraged to ask their health care provider about receiving other vaccines they may be eligible for, including flu and RSV.
The flu, RSV and COVID-19 are contagious, respiratory viral infections that can have similar symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish between the three illnesses. People with chronic conditions, including those that affect the lungs and heart, young children, elderly populations and pregnant people, have a higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
Staff Writer on Sep 9, 2024