Vaccine Information for B’ShERT members
As the vaccine rollout in NYC has reached a point of near-universal access, this page is no longer being maintained as of June 1, 2021. Please see the NYC Command Center page for further updates.
Among our highest Jewish values is pikuach nefesh, the preservation of human life. In that spirit, and in the hope of returning in health to our physical home on Marlborough Road as soon as possible, we have set up this clearinghouse of vaccine information for our members.
As of April 29, all New Yorkers 16 and older are eligible for vaccination, and no appointments are necessary. The latest detailed information is here on the city’s Command Center page.
As of April 29, both city-run and state-run vaccine sites will accept any adult for vaccination, no appointment required. You can still make appointments with your doctor or a pharmacy if you prefer. (18+ for Moderna or J&J, 16+ for Pfizer)
Once you are fully vaccinated (two weeks after the J&J shot or the 2nd Pfizer or Moderna shot), it is safe to resume some face to face activities and to reduce your mask use, especially outside.
Where can you get the vaccine? If you have a primary care physician, workplace/union health plan, or other healthcare provider, start there. All New Yorkers 16 & older can also use the Vaccine Finder website or Vaccine Hub to find vaccination providers nearby (including Advantage Care on Church Avenue, Costco, and a 24-hour site at the Brooklyn Army Terminal).
New 3/15: NYC is taking door-to-door vaccination for the homebound citywide, or seniors & those with disabilities. The goal is to vaccinate entire homebound population by end of April. To sign up: https://forms.cityofnewyork.us/f/homebound or call 877-VAX-4NYC.
If you are not comfortable using a computer or smartphone to register for an appointment, please call the New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829). Appointments may be added at any time so be sure to check for the latest availability; the NYC Health & Hospitals site tends to add appointment slots shortly after midnight, for the night owls. You can also sometimes find community programs or pharmacy availability at https://nycvaccinelist.com/ — be sure to filter for Brooklyn locations.
NYC vaccine hubs will be open from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, seven days a week.
Vaccination is not permission to stop being careful! It takes approximately 10 days from your first vaccine dose to start being protected from COVID-19, and full protection is not in effect until 10-14 days after your second dose for two-dose regimes (the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a single dose). Protection is very strong but not absolute, and while preliminary evidence suggests the vaccine will also prevent you from transmitting COVID-19, it is not fully confirmed. Wash your hands, keep your distance, and wear your mask!
Need help navigating the registration process? Email vaccinehelp@bshert.org and Mike or a member of the Caring Committee will reach out to work with you.
Please note that New York’s vaccine guidelines are changing rapidly and some of this information may be out of date. We will aim to keep the page updated and current as much as possible. The City’s Vaccine Finder and Command Center should always have up-to-date details.
Other useful websites: Eligibility Checker, NYC Health & Hospitals Scheduler, NYC Health Department Scheduler, Mount Sinai Scheduler, NYU Langone Vaccine Info.
You can sign up for email updates from New York State on the COVID response here. If you use Twitter, you can follow the city’s Health & Hospitals Corporation, DOH, Governor Cuomo or Mark Levine (city council chair of the Health committee) for minute by minute information.
Be well & be safe!
