New COVID-19 vaccine becomes available

September 4, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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STATEWIDE — AS THE NEW COVID-19 VACCINE becomes available in New York state for the 2024-25 season, Gov. Kathy Hochul is encouraging all eligible New Yorkers — especially those 65 and older. At-risk persons and those who have never received a COVID vaccine are among those urged to get immunized, particularly as a new school year begins. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax vaccines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced last week that the vaccines are being shipped to health care providers and pharmacies. Major retail pharmacies, such as CVS and Walgreens, are now accepting appointments and some locations may accept walk-ins. Prescriptions from a health care provider are not necessary for New Yorkers to receive the new COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy within New York. 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.

After the reports of deaths within nursing homes, including locally in Cobble Hill four years ago, The Department of Health’s Office of Aging and Long-Term Care and the Office of Public Health have taken several steps to protect long-term care facility residents and their staff by reiterating the importance of vaccination for all consenting residents and health care personnel and by implementing infection control and prevention measures.

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