Governor Hochul Announces 80 #VaxForKids Pop-Up Vaccination Sites Over 6 Weeks to Increase Vaccination Rates Among New York Children and Adolescents
Press Release
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced 80 #VaxforKids pop-up vaccination sites will take place across New York over a 6-week-period, with 10 pop-up sites launched this week. The new sites support the state's goal of ensuring New York children 5 years and older get vaccinated and keep up with all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses. The State Department of Health is working with localities, community-based organizations and healthcare centers on-the-ground to establish these sites in all regions of the state. Partners, host sites, and outreach efforts will be tailored to best meet the needs of the communities they serve.
"Getting our children vaccinated is the best way to keep them healthy and out of the hospital," Governor Hochul said. "Our #VaxforKids campaign builds on our ongoing efforts to bring the safe, free and available vaccine directly to New York families, and make sure parents and guardians have all of the trustworthy and doctor-endorsed informational resources they need. Over 1.5 million kids are already vaccinated in New York State, and I encourage parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated and boosted when they're eligible as soon as possible."
The State launched the #VaxforKids campaign to increase vaccination rates among New York children 5 - 11 and provide booster doses for eligible adolescents 12 - 17, furthering the Governor's commitment to making the health and well-being of children, families and school communities a top priority. To date, over 1.5 million children 5 - 17 have been vaccinated against COVID-19. As of Jan. 18, 2022, 34.3% of children 5 - 11 and 74.3% of adolescents 12 - 17 have received at least one dose and 23.9% of children 5 - 11 and 66.1% of adolescents 12 - 17 have completed their initial vaccine series.
"I urge New York parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible," said Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. "We continue to see increased rates in pediatric infections and hospitalizations, and vaccination is simply the best way to protect them. For decades, vaccines - one of the greatest public health success stories - have kept our children safe from dangerous infections, and the COVID-19 vaccine is doing the same. In partnership with community-based organizations on the ground, our new #VaxforKids sites will bring the vaccine directly to New Yorkers - meeting families where they are, in a way they can trust."
A community-based medical professional will be available at each site to answer any questions parents and guardians may have. Operational days for each of the #VaxforKids pop-up sites are below. New sites will be announced weekly over the 6-week period. The full list of #VaxforKids sites is available here.
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