With the recent wave of COVID-19 cases this summer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. This is to help protect against potentially serious outcomes this fall and winter, regardless of whether you’ve been vaccinated before.
This guide will walk you through how to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine for free in NYC, even if you are undocumented or uninsured.
Why should I get the updated COVID-19 shot?
COVID-19 is constantly evolving, and the protection from older vaccines fades over time. The updated 2024-2025 vaccine is designed to protect against the newest variants that are causing infections and hospitalizations in the U.S. By getting the updated shot, you reduce your chances of getting seriously ill or hospitalized due to COVID-19. It also helps lower the risk of developing Long COVID, a condition where symptoms can last for months after the initial infection.
Last year, those who received the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine had better protection from serious illness than those who did not.
Am I eligible to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes! Everyone aged 6 months and older is eligible to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine, no matter your residency, immigration status, or insurance coverage. You do not need U.S. citizenship or health insurance to receive the vaccine.
Where can I get an updated COVID-19 shot in NYC?
If you are uninsured or undocumented, here are some places in NYC where you can get the vaccine for free:
NYC Health + Hospitals Facilities
NYC’s public hospitals and clinics offer free COVID-19 vaccines to everyone, including those who are undocumented or uninsured. These locations are safe and welcoming to all. Visit the NYC Health + Hospitals website to find a location near you: NYC Health + Hospitals
HRSA-Funded Community Health Centers
These centers provide medical care on a sliding scale based on your income and family size. If you can’t afford to pay, they will still give you the vaccine for free. Undocumented individuals are welcome, and no one will be turned away. Find a health center near you through the following link: Find a Health Center
NYC Vaccine Finder
Use the NYC Vaccine Finder website to locate a nearby vaccination site. You can filter the search to find locations offering free or low-cost vaccines, specifically for uninsured individuals. Many of these sites do not require any form of insurance. Visit NYC Vaccine Finder.
Please note that COVID-19 vaccines are no longer available for free to uninsured individuals at major pharmacies such as CVS, following the end of the federally funded program.
“As you know, the CDC’s Bridge Access Program, which provided no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured and underinsured adults, has ended. While CVS is not offering free COVID-19 vaccines, patients could check with their local health department to see if any free or low-cost clinics are being offered,” said Amy Thibault, Lead Director of External Communications at CVS Pharmacy.
When will the updated COVID-19 shot be available at these locations?
The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines are now available following the FDA’s recent approval of Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax vaccines. Vaccines are being shipped directly from manufacturers to healthcare providers and pharmacies, with many sites expected to begin vaccinations by early to mid-September.
The NYC Vaccine Finder will be updated with locations where you can get the new vaccine when it is available. You can also contact your healthcare provider to check when they will have the vaccine ready.
Is there language support available for non-English speakers at these vaccination sites?
City-managed sites, such as NYC Health + Hospitals clinics and the Health Department’s Fort Greene Health Center immunization clinic, offer language line translation services.
For additional resources on the updated COVID-19 vaccines, you can visit the NYC Health Department’s COVID-19 Vaccine page, which provides multilingual information.
What documents do I need to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
An ID is not required for a vaccination.
Everyone who lives in the United States is eligible to receive free COVID-19 services, including vaccines, testing, and treatment, even if you do not have insurance, and no matter your immigration status. You do not need a Social Security Number or government ID to receive free COVID-19 services.
Additional information for undocumented and uninsured people
You do not need to share your immigration status when getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination sites will not report you to immigration authorities, and your information will remain confidential. NYC is committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of status, has access to health care, including the COVID-19 vaccine.
