Dear New Yorker,
October is National Domestic Violence month. The City's first lady said it best “In New York City, no one should suffer in silence.” The City offers resources for victims. No one should hesitate to reach out or to encourage their friends, neighbors and family members to seek help. Connect with NYC’s DV Hotline for 24/7 support: 1-800-621-4673. Call 911 in an emergency.
For information, or to connect to services, call 1-212-788-3156 and ask for NYC Family Justice Centers.
The Mayor’s Office to End Gender based violence will be hosting events throughout the month.You can find a list of the events here.
In partnership,
Roberto PĂ©rez,
Commissioner, Mayor's Community Affairs Unit
Key Updates:
Making weekend plans? Make time for your flu shot.
As the flu and COVID-19 are expected to circulate at the same time this season, getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever. Although the flu vaccine will not prevent COVID-19, it will help decrease the risk of you and your family getting sick and needing flu-related medical care.
You can receive the flu vaccine at the same time as all other vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine.
FIND A FLU VACCINATION SITE ON THE NYC VACCINE FINDER
New York State Voter Registration Deadlines
The last day to register for the upcoming NYC elections is Friday, October 8th. Residents can register in person at any Board of Elections office. Each of the Borough Offices in the City of New York will be open From 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM to accept in person Voter Registration Applications. Visit www.nycvotersearch.com to check your registration. For questions call 1-866-Vote-NYC (1-866-868-3692) or visit vote.nyc/page/register-vote.
NYC Vaccine Updates
It has never been easier to get a COVID-19 vaccination in New York City. New Yorkers 12 years and older can now get the COVID-19 vaccine at sites across the five boroughs. To find out where to get vaccinated and to make an appointment, visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or you can also call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).
Booster Shots
The following people are now eligible for a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine:
-People 65 or older
-People 18 to 64 and either have an underlying medical condition or a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure due to their job (for example, health care workers) or where they live or frequently visit (for example, a homeless shelter)
-People living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
You will only be able to get a Pfizer booster shot if you received a second Pfizer dose at least six months ago.
Third Doses for People with Weakened Immune System
Separate from booster shots, people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (meaning they have a weakened immune system) are eligible for a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, as part of their initial vaccination series. They can get a third dose 28 days after their second shot.
In-home COVID-19 vaccinations
NYC also offers in-home COVID-19 vaccinations to any city resident who requests one. You can also request whether you want the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Schedule your appointment today for your in-home vaccination by filling out this form: http://nyc.gov/homevaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or need verification
If you are fully vaccinated but lost your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or need verification of your vaccine status, you can request a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination record. You cannot get a replacement COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card at this time, but you can get an official record noting you have been vaccinated. Go here for more information: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/cir-parents-guardians.page
Fall 2021 Academic Recovery Plan
Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Porter Announce Academic Recovery Plan for Pivotal School Year Ahead. Follow the link for Chancellor Porter Message for Families for more info.
NYC Emergency Management
The City of New York has developed a list of resources for those who were affected by this historic storm.
Please visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/resources/ida.page, information on FEMA, Red Cross and more.
Department of Consumer and Protection
BEWARE of price gouging and report it. Under the declared state of emergency, businesses cannot excessively increase the price of any goods or services that are essential to health or safety, or are promoted this way. This includes home repair, plumbing, electrical services. If you think a business increased the cost for repairs, file a complaint at nyc.gov/dcwp or call 311 and say “Overcharge.”
-ONLY use a home improvement contractor licensed by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Call 311 or visit nyc.gov/dcwp to check license status.
- INSIST on more than one reference—and check them. Also call 311 to check any complaint history with DCWP.
·GET written estimates and contracts. Visit nyc.gov/dcwp to see what these documents should include.
·NEVER pay the full price upfront and NEVER pay cash.
· NEVER get a loan through a home improvement contractor—it’s illegal. Help is available at DisasterAssistance.gov
· ONLY use a plumber or electrician licensed by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). Visit nyc.gov/buildings to check license status.
·ASK to see permits. All electrical work and most plumbing work require a permit from DOB.
Small Business Services
If your business is facing a real-time emergency, you may contact SBS by calling 311 or (212) 618-8810.
To connect with the SBS Emergency Response Unit & Intergovernmental Services, please e-mail ERU@sbs.nyc.gov
Department of Environmental Protection
File a report with ponding/flooding report with DEP https://on.nyc.gov/2WFjW2J
Department of Housing Preservation & Development
The NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development has put together a list of resources for homeowners affected by this storm. View the PDF
GetFoodNYC: Get a map of food resources across the city
Use this map to find locations that offer free food (food pantries and soup kitchens), as well as grocery stores and farmers' markets.
Mayor's Office--Community Affairs
253 Broadway 4th Fl
New York, NY 10007