Governor Hochul announces eligibility for second COVID-19 vaccine boosters

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) – Governor Hochul announced new eligibility for second COVID-19 vaccine boosters on Saturday.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that New Yorkers 50 years and older who received their first booster at least four months ago are eligible. Adults 18 to 49 years who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and immunocompromised New Yorkers 12 years and older also eligible for an mRNA booster four months after the first booster.

Schedule a free booster appointment at any state-run mass vaccination site here or find a nearby location here.

"Getting vaccinated and staying up-to-date with all recommended doses is the most effective way to prevent severe illness and hospitalization, and move safely forward through this pandemic," said Gov. Hochul.

The state’s booster and additional dose website includes information for New Yorkers about first and second boosters, additional doses, eligibility, frequently asked questions, and resources for providers on the ground.

The state Department of Health and CDC continue to strongly recommend initial booster doses for eligible adults and adolescents.

The New York State Department of Health continues to share CDC’s recommendation that all eligible adults, adolescents, and children five years and older get fully vaccinated and receive an initial COVID-19 booster when eligible.

For eligible New Yorkers, a first booster dose is safe and continues to provide strong protection against severe outcomes. According to CDC data from the recent Omicron surge, those who were boosted were 21-times less likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those who were unvaccinated, and 7-times less likely to be hospitalized.