This Fall's Updated COVID Vaccine in New York

Who can get one in New York

The federal picture moved around this year and the headlines moved with it. New York State's answer for adults stayed simple: the updated COVID vaccine is recommended.

New York also states that self-attestation is sufficient to confirm eligibility. You tell the pharmacist you qualify, and that is the check. There is no form from a doctor to chase down first.

Do you need an order from a doctor?

In New York a certified pharmacist may give the COVID vaccine to patients 18 and older, under a non-patient-specific order signed by a physician or nurse practitioner. You do not need to bring an order of your own.

Age rules for pharmacists shift more than most rules, because some sit in state education law and some sit in Health Department standing orders that are renewed on their own schedule. Call us before you make a trip and we will tell you exactly what we can do that week.

How it is billed

New York lists the COVID vaccine as typically no cost under most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B and the Essential Plan. It is also part of New York Medicaid's pharmacy benefit. Bring your card and ask us to check it against your plan.

For adults with no insurance, New York points to the federal Vaccines for Adults program, for people 19 and older. The state notes that a provider may still ask for a vaccine administration fee. Call and we will tell you what applies to you.

What to bring

If you want a COVID vaccine and a flu shot in the same trip, say so when you call and we will tell you what we can do in one visit.

• Insurance card, or your Medicare card
• Photo ID
• Your vaccination record, or the date of your last COVID shot
• A list of the medications you take

Getting it at Tribeca Pharmacy

We are at 177 Smith St in Boerum Hill, between Warren St and Wyckoff St, a short walk from most of the neighborhood. The pharmacy counter is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed Saturday and Sunday.

Call (212) 328-4111 to ask what we have in and what your visit needs. Adam Wahab, RPh, supervises the counter, and questions about your own list of medications get answered by a person, not a script. See /services/vaccines for what we offer and /faq/insurance for the coverage questions we get most.

You can also email info@tribecapharmacy.com if a written answer is easier.