COVID-19: What You Need to Know

CDC Approves COVID-19 Boosters – updated on 9/24

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has backed a booster shot of the Pfizer and BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 65 and older and adults with underlying medical conditions.

Booster shots have yet to be approved for those who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. RPEA will keep you informed regarding when additional booster vaccines are approved.

The CDC’s recommendation cleared the way for booster shots to start on Friday, September 24, 2021. Click here for the full statement from the CDC.

New York State Department of Health:

For a list of state-run vaccination locations, and to make an appointment to get a COVID-19 vaccine, visit the New York State Department of Health (DOH) website: am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov

For a list of appointments available at all other sites that are not state-run, visit: www.vaccines.gov/search

DOH is offering preventative information and daily updates on the COVID-19 pandemic, including restrictions and guidelines, which are available on their website at: coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home.

For the latest COVID-19 numbers by county, including total positive cases, percent positivity, and total number of people tested, visit the NYS DOH COVID-19 Tracker and click on your county: covid19tracker.health.ny.gov

To find a COVID-19 test site near you, visit: coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Visit the CDC online to find additional information on the vaccine, COVID-19 variants, and what it means to be fully vaccinated: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

The CDC continues to urge everyone to use preventative, daily routines that will help keep you and your loved ones healthy:

• Clean your hands often.
• Avoid close contact (keep socially distant, stay 6 feet apart).
• Wear a mask in public settings and anywhere you are around other people.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with the inside of your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces daily.

Visit the CDC for more information: www.cdc.gov/COVID19

New York State Office for Aging:

The Office of Aging offers a free “CV19 CheckUp” online that is confidential and easy to use.

It takes just 5-10 minutes to answer some questions and immediately receive a custom report on how likely you are to get or spread COVID-19, based on your life and habits. Find out how severe it might be if you get sick, steps to reduce your risks, and ways to have your needs met during the pandemic.

Your report will provide guidance from leading experts and organizations based on research, science, and recommendations published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. To find out more, visit: newyork.cv19checkup.org