Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine at HSS
HSS is following all New York City Department of Health guidelines to distribute our supply of the COVID-19 vaccine. These guidelines include criteria that outline who is eligible to receive it.
Per New York City guidelines and contingent on supply, eligible populations may schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine at our Manhattan location. You can also search for vaccine locations at NYC COVID-19 Vaccine Finder.
Booster Shots for Immunocompromised People
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for certain people who are immunocompromised. This includes solid organ transplant recipients or those who have conditions that are considered to have an equal level of immunocompromise, such as cancer and HIV. For more information on who needs an additional vaccine, visit the CDC website.
The New York State Department of Health has further directed that people who are eligible and able to receive the booster should be given the same type of shot they received previously, Pfizer or Moderna, at least 28 days after their second dose. Guidance on a booster shot for those who originally received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is expected in the coming days.
Until online scheduling for booster shots are available on the NYC Vaccinefinder website, people who are eligible and able to receive the Pfizer booster may do so at HSS on a walk-in basis (hours below).
To receive the booster shot at HSS, you must:
- Provide proof of vaccination, in the form of your vaccine card, Excelsior Pass, or MyHSS record;
- Have completed your second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least 28 days prior;
- Upon arrival for the booster shot, complete a paper attestation of your immunocompromised condition;
- Come to the HSS main hospital at 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY, and proceed to the Richard L. Menschel Education Center on the 2nd Floor during vaccination center operating hours. Before you come, please check those operating hours here. Currently they are:
- Mondays between 1pm and 6pm
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10am and 5pm
- Thursdays between 8am and 4pm
- Fridays between 7am and 12pm (noon)
- Vaccination will be provided on a first come, first served basis subject to availability.
We will provide more information when more guidance from the CDC and City and State officials is released.
Louis A. Shapiro
President and CEO
How to get a vaccine at HSS
Appointments
Appointments are not required but preferred, walk ins are welcome during our operating hours. You can schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine at our HSS vaccine site. You will need to answer several questions to confirm that you are able to receive the vaccine. These questions address your eligibility, medical conditions and COVID status.
Please note that HSS offers the Pfizer vaccine at this time, which is administered in two doses 21 days apart. It is critical for the effectiveness of the vaccine that you receive both doses. Please choose an appointment time so that you will be able to return for your second dose.
Appointment location and duration
HSS administers the vaccine at our main campus in Manhattan in the Richard L. Menschel Education Center at 535 East 70th Street, 2nd floor, New York, NY. The appointment will take approximately 1 hour. This includes the wait time in our observation area for 15 to 30 minutes after receiving your vaccine. Even though side effects are rare, this step is necessary for your safety.
Safety
Everyone coming to HSS for a vaccine is required to wear a face mask and perform hand hygiene upon arrival. Please maintain social distance while at HSS.
Identification and verification
When you check in, you will be asked to provide proof of eligibility. Please bring proof of your identity and age (i.e. driver's license), and proof of residency (i.e. driver's license or utility bill).
Insurance
It is not required to have insurance to receive the vaccine. If you do have medical insurance, you will be asked to provide your insurance information. Please bring your insurance ID. There will be no out-of-pocket costs charged to you, whether you have insurance or not.
Parking
Parking at HSS is only available for patients. Nearby parking garages are available in our neighborhood directory. It is highly recommended that alternate modes of transportation are considered if you are coming to HSS for a vaccine only.
Why should you get the COVID-19 vaccine?
It is safe. The vaccine has been tested on many thousands of individuals, with few reports of side effects. When 1 out of every 1,000 Americans has died from the virus, the mild side effects and rare severe allergic reactions to the vaccine (less than 1 in 45,000) are less concerning.
It is effective. Studies have shown that the vaccine is 95% effective against the COVID-19 virus.
It is the only way to end the pandemic. The best way to end the spread of this disease is if everyone who is able to receive the vaccine signs up. Now is the time to take action that will put the pandemic behind us so we can start getting back to feeling safe, being safe and living our lives as we once did.
COVID-19 Vaccine: Frequently Asked Questions Video
HSS infectious disease and prevention experts present information on the COVID-19 vaccine and offer answers to common concerns and questions. In addition to the recording below, see our complementary COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs summarized from the event.
Thank you to all who are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive the vaccine. Thank you for doing your part to safeguard yourself, your family and our community, and for trusting us with your care.