NEW YORK – The New York City Department of Education reminded parents that August 9 is the last day for children 12 years and older to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine so they can be fully vaccinated when they return to school on September 13th.
This is because those under the age of 18 are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine, which involves a five-week period for full vaccination, which includes the three weeks between the first and second doses, the department said.
“The layered approach to safety in our schools has kept children healthy, and there is nothing more protective than vaccination,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “Getting vaccinated now protects you, your classmates, your families, and the entire school community.”
“Vaccines are our passport out of this pandemic, and each vaccinated youth is another person protected from this disease,” said Chancellor of Education Meisha Porter. “As a parent, I encourage everyone preparing to go back to school this fall to sign up for their vaccination as soon as possible.”
As part of New York City’s effort to speed up the vaccination process before the start of schools, mobile vaccination sites will be opened directly at youth locations during the month of August. Locations include, Public School Athletic League preseason conditioning sites, high-volume summer meal sites, 12 Saturday Night Lights and 28 sites Summer Rising from middle and high schools.
New York City has recently reached more than 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine, including more than 240,000 people under the age of 18.
Beginning September 13, all city employees, including Department of Education staff, must show a one-time proof of vaccination or take weekly COVID-19 tests. In partnership with the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), each of UFT’s five city offices will host vaccination sites this fall.
For information on vaccination in minors visit this website.
To find a vaccination site in New York City visit this page.
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