The Covid-19 Vaccine Guide for Immigrants in New York

Also Read: The Covid-19 Vaccine Guide for Food Workers in New York

To read all the articles with important information for immigrants in NY, please read our Guide of Resources

Members of the Spanish speaking community we serve on WhatsApp have sent multiple requests for information regarding the vaccine for immigrants in New York. Here is a list compiling what we know so far, and how you can get the vaccine if you are eligible, regardless of immigration status.  

Who is eligible to receive the vaccine? 

Original eligibility

Phase 1a and 1b include: home health aides; teachers and education workers, including childcare staff; first responders; public safety workers; public transit workers, now including TLC licensees; food and grocery store workers, now including restaurant workers; New Yorkers experiencing homelessness who reside in congregate settings as well as staff; staff at COVID-19 testing and vaccination locations, (here is the link for the complete list).

Starting on April 6th, 2021

New Yorkers 16 Years of Age and Older Can Begin to Schedule Appointments and Get Vaccinated Beginning April 6

Starting on March 30th, 2021

More New Yorkers have been added to the list of eligibility. Individuals Age 30 and older who reside in New York will be eligible starting today,  March 30th, 2021. 

In addition, New Yorkers age 75 and over plus one eligible New Yorker of any age are now able to get vaccinated together without appointments at the 24/7 mass vaccination sites operated by the NYC Test & Trace Corps. The locations are the following:

Brooklyn Army Terminal 140 58th Street Brooklyn, NY 11220

Bathgate Contract Postal Station 4006 3rd Avenue Bronx, NY 10457

Citi Field 36-2 126th St Queens, NY 11368. 

Note: The city offers free transportation to and from vaccines sites for individuals of 65 and older, and/or have ambulatory, visual, intellectual, or developmental disabilities. To reserve transportation call 877-VAX-4NYC (847-829-4692). The free service includes abulette and cab options. An operator will confirm your eligibility and provide services based on your needs.

Starting on March 25th

All New Yorkers Age 50 and Older are eligible to take the vaccine. 

Tip: Pharmacies sometimes have extra shots that result from cancellations or last minute changes. It is advisable to call your local pharmacy and ask if they have any vaccinations to spare. Regardless of whether you are eligible, they will give you the vaccine if you can arrive before 1 hour or in 30 minutes.

Starting on March 17th, 2021

Vaccine distribution eligibility expanded; all providers except pharmacies can now vaccinate any eligible New Yorker.

Pharmacies can vaccinate 60-plus and teachers per federal guidance. 

New Yorkers can make appointments at State-run vaccination sites by utilizing New York’s ‘Am I Eligible’ tool or Calling 1-833-697-4829

Starting on March 10th, 2021

The Governor announced that the following New Yorkers are eligible for the vaccine: New Yorkers 60 years of age and older, Government employees, nonprofit workers, and essential building service workers are eligible for COVID-19 vaccine.

Starting on February 15th, 2021

Adult New Yorkers with certain conditions and comorbidities will be eligible for the vaccine:  this includes people who have cancer (current or in remission, including 9/11-related cancers), chronic kidney disease, pulmonary disease, intellectual and developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, heart conditions (including but not limited to heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, or hypertension (high blood pressure)), immunocompromised state ((weakened immune system), severe obesity, pregnancy, Sickle cell disease or Thalassemia, Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus, Cerebrovascular disease, neurologic conditions including but not limited to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, liver disease. 

Do I have to give proof of my immigration status?

No. Counties, New York State, and the Federal Government will not require immigration status to provide a vaccine for immigrants.

Also Read: The Scams Targeting Latinos Via Messaging Apps

Where can I get the vaccine? 

There are multiple locations that you can get a vaccine from: New York State operated facilities, NYC Health + Hospitals, and local pharmacies, urgent care facilities, and community centers. To receive a vaccine, you must make an appointment ahead of time. 

How can I get the vaccine, and what documents should I bring?

Step 1: Eligibility

Make sure you are eligible for vaccination. The list provided above encompasses a general idea of who is eligible under phase 1A and 1B, for detailed descriptions go to this link. 

Step 2:  Selecting a Facility

Find a location near you to schedule an appointment: 

Using this link, you will be able to locate the nearest centers to your zip code. Once you put your zip code, you can then proceed to schedule an appointment with the facility of choice.  Once you select a facility, you will be prompted to their respective forms. 

Here is an example of how the form might look: 

(screenshot from actual Rite Aid online scheduler– accessed Feb. 10, 2020)

In addition, you may schedule an appointment directly via CVS, Walgreens, or Costco. 

Because the demand for the vaccine is high, some facilities might not have spots available— in this case we recommend contacting your primary care for options, or checking availability in the NYC Hub,  NYC Health + Hospitals or at Federally Operated Facilities. 

If spots are not available, check back constantly. 

Step 3:  Proof of eligibility

Once you have scheduled an appointment, you will have to fill this form. This will, once again, confirm your eligibility. It is required by the state that you must fill this form online prior to getting the vaccine, but after scheduling your appointment. This is because the form will ask you for the date of the scheduled appointment. 

During the day of your appointment you will have to confirm your eligibility. You can use a recent pay stub, a letter from your employer with proper heading, employee ID, or proof of employment (you only need to show one). In addition, you will need to prove your age with one of these items:

• Driver’s license or non-driver ID,

• IDNYC

• Birth certificate issued by a state or local government

• Current U.S passport or valid foreign passport

• Permanent resident card

• Certificate of naturalization or citizenship

• Life insurance policy with birthdate

• Marriage certificate with birth date

Proof of residency may include either:

One of the following:

• State or government-issued ID

• Statement from landlord

• Current rent receipt or lease

• Mortgage records

or

Two of the following:

• Statement from another person

• Current mail

• School records

The vaccine will require two doses, usually scheduled 21 days apart. While there has been some misinformation running in social media, the CDC and health experts have confirmed that the vaccine is safe. The vaccine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug administration (FDA) after undergoing rigorous studies and meeting the safety criteria. 

Also Read: Misinformation Is Harming Trust in the COVID Vaccine Among Latinos in New York

How much does it cost? 

It’s free. The vaccine for immigrants is free. The vaccine is free for everyone. Everyone. While some facilities will ask you for an insurance card to cover administration costs, you will not be turned away if you do not have one. It is in the best interest of the country for individuals to be vaccinated, so you will receive the vaccine as long as you are eligible.

Does this guide to the vaccine for immigrants also apply to undocumented individuals?

Yes. As long as you qualify under the state’s guidelines and present the documents stated above, there should be no problem.

Vaccines for COVID-19 are on high demand. If you see an appointment available, take it— regardless of where it is, or when it is available.