COVID-19, Vaccines & Tests: What AFSCME Retirees Need to Know

With the COVID-19 coronavirus and its variants continuing to impact New York City and the U.S., AFSCME Retirees is sharing important information for older Americans about how to stay safe, healthy and informed. The coronavirus can be more dangerous to older adults [age 60 and over] and people with serious health conditions and/or weaker immune systems. The AFSCME fact sheets below, along with the other links and resources, will provide basic information about how to better protect yourself -- along with updates about the COVID-19 vaccines, boosters, and free at-home tests.


VACCINE UPDATE - NYC

FREE COVID-19 vaccinations are now available for New Yorkers age 6 months and older. It has never been easier to get a COVID-19 vaccination in NYC. Vaccines are available at no cost to you and regardless of immigration status. Learn about the benefits of vaccination.
  • NYC General Vaccine Information - Learn more about the COVID vaccines and boosters and find a vaccination site near you to schedule an appointment for COVID, flu and monkeypox vaccinations.
  • Call 1-877-VAX4NYC -- For assistance over the phone.
  • Call 855-491-2667 to request free transportation to and from a vaccination appointment - For city residents 65 and older and those with disabilities who have no other way to get to a vaccination site.
  • Vaccines.gov - The CDC website to make an appointment at NYC metro area sites.
  • EpicenterNYC is helping New Yorkers get vaccinated. Fill out a form on their website or call 917-818-2690 for assistance. You can also visit can visit SOMOS Vaccinations to make vaccine appointments.
  • Verify your vaccination. If you are fully vaccinated but lost your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or need verification of your vaccine status, you can request a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination record at on.nyc.gov/3GMt8De

NYC IN-HOME VACCINATION

  • New York City is offering in-home Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations to any City resident who is homebound and City residents 65 and older. Register online here to be contacted by the City to schedule an in-home vaccination or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).

FREE AT-HOME COVID-19 TESTS

  • Every home in the U.S. can now order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests from the federal government at COVIDtests.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233 toll-freeThe tests will be completely free—there are no shipping costs and you don’t need to enter a credit card number
  • Also, most people with a health plan can go online, or to a pharmacy or store to purchase an at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at no cost, either through reimbursement or free of charge through their insurance. For details, please visite the website of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

FREE N95 MASKS

To stem the spread of COVID-19 in the United States, the Biden Administration will distribute 400 million N95 face masks from the Strategic National Stockpile. The N95 masks are available for free at local pharmacies and health care centers, including many NYC testing sites. Three masks per person. Visit the CDC website for details.

NYC TEST & TRACE CORPS

The NYC Test & Trace Corps is a public health initiative to fight the threat of COVID-19. The Corps is a group of doctors, public health professionals and community advocates working to reverse the COVID-19 outbreak and protect NYC residents. Visit the Corps website or call the hotline at 1-212-COVID19 for info on testing, tracing and support services for those who test positive for COVID-19.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COVID VACCINES

STAY SAFE - SAVE LIVES 

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW for Coronavirus info. from AFSCME, DC 37 and others. Also, text “COVID” to 692-692 (NYC-NYC) to receive text updates on your smartphone.