Governor Hochul Launches "Boost Up, New York" Campaign Urging New Yorkers to Get Their Booster Shot for Better Protection Against COVID-19

 

Amidst Holiday Season and Threat of New Variant, Campaign Is Targeted at Adults across the State Who Qualify for Vaccine Booster Dose

Advertising Effort Includes Out-Of-Home and Digital Programming with Easy-To-Access QR Codes and Hyperlinks

All New Yorkers Can Help Family and Friends Get Vaccinated, Boosted, and Practice Good Public Health Behaviors for a Healthy Holiday

New Yorkers Can Schedule Their Free COVID-19 Vaccine Here or Booster Dose Here

 Governor Hochul today launched the statewide "Boost Up, New York" campaign to urge New York adults to get their booster dose for better protection against COVID-19. As the state monitors for the Omicron variant, the new education and advertising effort reminds New Yorkers that a boost against COVID-19 is needed to maximize protection, prolong the vaccine's durability, and help safeguard communities and loved ones against the virus.

"With this campaign, we are getting the message out with banners and displays to get people excited about booster shots as they get ready to celebrate the holidays," Governor Hochul said. "If you are over 18, you can get the free booster dose immediately. It will give you that extra protection, and it also helps to protect your loved ones. This is the ultimate act of kindness that you can exercise this holiday season."

The "Boost Up, New York" campaign will be featured at popular grocery stores, malls, and transit stations statewide including on bulletins, posters, and multimedia screens. The program will also span online advertising to reach adults on search engines and social media channels. All campaign activations will include a QR code or hyperlink so New Yorkers have easy-to-access scheduling information, as well as resources for those looking to learn more about the importance of getting a booster. With increased urgency and a timely message, the program will kick-off December 6 and run for four weeks.

In addition to getting a booster, Governor Hochul and the State's Department of Health encourage all New Yorkers to follow and share with others this important information for healthy holiday gatherings:

• All New Yorkers 5 and older should get fully vaccinated.
• All New Yorkers 18 and older who are two months past the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or 6 months past the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna initial vaccine series should get their booster dose.
• All New Yorkers 6 and older should also get their flu shot.
• New Yorkers should get tested after traveling and before seeing family.
• All travelers, domestic and international, should continue to follow all CDC travel requirements.
• New Yorkers who don't feel well should stay home
• Wear masks in public indoor spaces and wash hands regularly.

To date, over 2.5 million New Yorkers have already received their booster or additional dose, out of approximately 6.5 eligible. In addition to the new "Boost Up, New York" campaign, the State launched a dedicated website with information about booster doses, additional doses, eligibility, frequently asked questions, and resources for providers on-the-ground. The State continues direct-messaging outreach to eligible New Yorkers through SMS-based messages and local notifications to fully vaccinated New Yorkers through the State's Excelsior Pass platform.

The COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses are free and widely available statewide at pharmacies, local health departments, clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, state-run mass vaccination sites, and other locations across New York State.

New Yorkers can boost up or get vaccinated by visiting vaccines.gov, texting their ZIP code to 438829, or calling 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby locations. New Yorkers can also visit the Am I Eligible page or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX to schedule a booster or vaccine appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site.

Eligible New Yorkers can receive any of the FDA-approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccines for their booster dose, including Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Janssen/Johnson & Johnson. If New Yorkers have questions, they should consult their health care provider or vaccine administrator.