Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine at HSS
HSS is following all New York State Department of Health guidelines to distribute our supply of the COVID-19 vaccine. These guidelines include strict criteria that outline who is eligible to receive it.
Per New York State Guidelines and contingent on supply, HSS will prioritize vaccination of Phase 1A and 1B populations. Individuals greater than 16 years old and less than 64 years old with specific conditions may also receive the vaccine.
Louis A. Shapiro
President and CEO
How to get a vaccine at HSS
Appointments required
You will need to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine at HSS. You will need to answer several questions to confirm that you are able to receive the vaccine. These questions address your eligibility, medical consent and COVID status. If you meet the criteria, you will then be able to choose a time for your appointment. Please note that HSS is offering the Pfizer vaccine at this time, which is administered in two doses 19 to 23 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.
Screening
After you book the appointment, we will ask that you complete your appointment pre-check through MyHSS. You do not need to be a current HSS patient to use MyHSS. We encourage both patients and non-patients to sign up for MyHSS. A faster check-in process will ensure a quicker visit and limit your interactions with staff and other visitors.
Appointment location and duration
HSS will be administering the vaccine in the Belaire Building (courtyard and ground floor) at 525 East 71st Street. 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.
HSS is also administering the vaccine at Martin Van Buren High School in Queens. If you are a Queens resident, you can also choose to schedule your appointment there through the NYC vaccine scheduling site:
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 for your appointment, you will be asked to provide proof of eligibility, identity and residency. Please bring proof of your identity and age (i.e. driver's license), proof of NYC residency (i.e. driver's license or utility bill) and proof of your employment, if applicable. Proof of employment can be an employer identification card, a letter from your employer or a recent paystub.
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 supporting this process and taking advantage of the opportunity to receive the vaccine when it becomes available to you.