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UPDATE (12/20): To address Queens residents amidst the dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases caused by the Omicron variant of the virus, Borough President Richards and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene hosted a Virtual COVID-19 Update Webinar on Monday. December 20.

To learn more about the Omicron variant, the effort to increase testing capacity citywide and the importance of getting vaccinated and boosted in light of these developments, you can watch the recording of the COVID-19 update on this page or by clicking here.

COVID-19 VACCINATION INFORMATION

-Nearly 2 million Queens residents have already received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while nearly 1.8 million have been fully vaccinated. If you have not yet received your vaccine, click here to find the vaccination site closest to you or click here to register to receive your COVID-19 vaccine in your own home. Getting the shot is free, quick and available to all New Yorkers age 12 and older, while the Pfizer vaccine has been authorized for children ages 5-11, so consider getting yours today.

-All New Yorkers ages 5 and older are eligible to receive a vaccine, which offer significant protection against severe disease, hospitalization and death due to COVID-19, including the Delta and Omicron variants.

-Booster shots has been authorized for individuals who are six months removed from receiving their second Pfizer or Moderna shot, and those who are two months removed from their single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Individuals may receive a different brand of shot for their booster than they received for their initial dose. For those who received the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, consider receiving either a Pfizer or Moderna booster, as suggested by public health officials.

-All vaccination sites operated by the City of New York and the State of New York are accepting walk-ins of any age. Appointments are no longer needed to receive a vaccine at those locations.

COVID-19 TESTING INFORMATION

-Borough President Richards is working tirelessly to increase testing capacity across the borough as the Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly. To help keep Queens safe, residents are urged to get tested for COVID-19 on a regular basis to help keep Queens safe. 

Click here to find a COVID-19 testing location closest to you.

Click here for a list of COVID-19 testing sites offered by New York City Health + Hospitals. Each site features cost-free, testing for all.

-Borough President Richards worked to secure a mobile COVID-19 no-cost testing unit outside Queens Borough Hall at 120-55 Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens. The unit is open Monday through Saturday between 8am to 6pm.

-In addition to getting tested, stay vigilant and prevent new spikes by wearing a properly fitting face mask when in a public place and socially distancing.

QUEENS VACCINE TOWN HALLS

-Borough President Richards continues to host an ongoing series of virtual COVID-19 Queens Vaccine Town Halls to answer questions Queens residents may have about the science, side effects and availability of the COVID-19 vaccines.

-Previous Vaccine Town Halls were held February 4, February 16February 18, February 24, April 5 and April 13.