In all the excitement over expanded eligibility, let’s not forget that seniors and other vulnerable populations still need the vaccine! Access is often an issue for them so please spread the word on these resources.
Hotline phone numbers to book vaccines
For those without access to technology or who struggle with it, don’t forget that you can call these numbers directly to book vaccines for seniors:
NYC Vaccine Hotline: (877) VAX-4NYC, spelled out as (877) 829-4692
NY State Vaccine Hotline: (833) NYS-4VAX, spelled out as (833) 697-4829
NYC Department of Aging: (212) 244-6496
Walk-up vaccine sites for seniors 75+
Did you know that there are vaccine sites in every borough that allow New Yorkers Age 75+ (and companions!) to get vaccinated without an appointment?
A person accompanying the senior to these sites can also receive the vaccine, as long as they are eligible due to age, employment, or another qualifying factor. For non-seniors seeking a vaccine and wanting to do a mitzvah in the process, check out this suggestion from @MarkLevineNYC:
Reminder for grandchildren and teen volunteers:
Pfizer is the only FDA approved vaccine for ages 16 and 17! If it’s not available at the walk-up site, the teenage companion will NOT be able to be vaccinated at the same time.
Find a list easier to read than a graphic?
Here are the walk-in vaccine sites in Manhattan that allow New Yorkers Age 75+ (and companions!) to get vaccinated without an appointment:
Ford Foundation (Midtown East)
321 East 42nd St., Manhattan, 10017
Monday – Saturday, 9 am–5 pm
NYCHA Fulton Community Center (Chelsea)
119 9th Ave., Manhattan, 10011
Tuesday–Saturday (10 am–5 pm)
More info here, hosted by Hudson Guild
Essex Crossing (Lower East Side)
244B Broome St., Manhattan, 10002
Thursday–Sunday (12–4 pm)
More info here
City College (Harlem)
1549 Amsterdam Ave., Manhattan, 10031
Thursday–Sunday (12–4 pm)
Abyssinian Baptist Church (Harlem)
132 West 138th St., Manhattan, 10030
Tuesday–Saturday (9 am–5 pm), via SOMOS
Yeshiva University (Washington Heights)
2495 Amsterdam Ave, Manhattan, 10033
Sunday–Thursday (9 am– 7 pm) & Friday (9 am– 5 pm)
Some of these sites are featured on NYC’s Official Vaccine Finder site and NYC Vaccine List - let friends and family members under 75 know that they can book appointments there!
DOROT & The Ford Foundation
DOROT has partnered with the Ford Foundation to provide the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine at the Ford Foundation office in midtown.
All seniors (60+) in affiliated with DOROT or referring organizations (like UJA & the JCC Manhattan) are encouraged to call DOROT’s vaccine line at (917) 534 - 7332 or email DOROT at vaccineassistance@dorotusa.org.
Know a senior veteran needing a vaccine?
VA New York Harbor is offering vaccinations to veterans 65 and older who are enrolled in VA Healthcare. Call (877) 877- 9267 to learn more!
Look out for a follow-up post on vaccines for veterans.
Transportation to Vaccination Appointments
Don’t have access to private transit (your own car) or public transit (subway, buses, Uber/Lyft, commuter trains, etc.)?
Are your friends or family members unable to give you a ride to a vaccine site since they’re working or don’t live nearby?
Check out these transportation resources for seniors: Access-a-Ride, Medicaid Transportation, Hunter Ambulettes, and Curb.
Don’t forget that you need to book your vaccine appointment first to qualify! Besides of course if you’re getting a vaccine at one of the walk-in sites for ages 75+ listed above.
Access-a-Ride
Already have this set up for typical transportation? You can schedule a ride to your vaccine appointment the same way you usually do!
Need to set up Access-A-Ride? Call MTA Access-A-Ride at (718) 393-4999, active daily from 7 am-5 pm. Automated assistance is also available in Spanish. Got a busy signal? Call (877) 337-2017.
Medicaid
If you have Medicaid-provided transportation, call Medicaid Transportation Management at (844) 666-6270, active 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Hunter Ambulettes
For seniors requiring an ambulette, you can schedule free transport at (718) 991- 2211, active 7 am -7 pm daily.
Curb
If you are 65 or older and meet all of the criteria, but don’t qualify for the programs above, you can schedule a free ride with Curb at (646) 349-0289, active 24 hours, 7 days a week.
When scheduling, you must mention that you’re going for a vaccine appointment! Curb will confirm that your destination is a valid vaccination site, and your ride will be scheduled for free.
Get ready to take in-person pictures with family again!
Want more info?
Check out the incredible COVID-19 Resources and Referrals and Vaccine Resources websites put together by the JCC Manhattan to help community members as well as the wider NYC community! I’ve featured some of these resources here but there are so many wonderful ones to check out.
Many of these sites were gathered by Engage Jewish Service Corps, an incredible volunteer organization that empowers Jews in their 50s, 60s, and beyond to address the needs of the Jewish community of New York City.
I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some of the Engage volunteers through the JCC’s Wechsler Center for Modern Aging, led by Rabbi Brian Fink and Susan Lechter. These amazing seniors have banded together to schedule vaccines for other seniors and vulnerable community members.
Why do I keep mentioning the JCC?
Full disclosure - I love the JCC and am a proud member of their 20’s and 30’s board. Tell your children and grandchildren to check out their events and support resources!
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