New Yorkers Age 16 And Up Can Now Receive COVID Vaccine; 'It Will Help My Life In Many Ways'
NEW HYDE PARK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- New Yorkers age 16 and up can now sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine.
At Cohen's Children Medical Center in New Hyde Park, some teens are getting the shot.
As CBS2's Natalie Duddridge reported, anyone born on or after April 6, 2005, is now eligible specifically for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
On Tuesday, Duddridge met three teens who were really excited to be among the first to get their shots in the state.
COVID VACCINE
- New York State book online here or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX
- New York City book online here or call 877-VAX-4NYC
- Track NYC vaccinations by zip code
- Nassau County more info here
- Suffolk County more info here
- Westchester County more info here
- New Jersey book online here or call 1-855-568-0545
- Connecticut book online here
Paul Navarro, a 17-year-old from Hempstead, and his parents are relieved he finally got the COVID-19 vaccine. He has spina bifida and hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid in the brain, which would put him at risk of serious illness if he were to contract the virus.
"I was very worried. I didn't want to go out, didn't want to go in public, didn't want to go to school," Navarro said. "It will help my life in many ways, keep me safe emotionally, physically. Keep me healthy, keep going."
"It was a big fear and it changed everything drastically," mother Karen Navarro added.
READ MORE: President Biden To Move Up Deadline For Adult Eligibility For COVID Vaccine To April 19
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the only one authorized for 16- and 17-year-olds. The other shots haven't been approved yet for use by people under 18. Health officials say it's paramount teens get vaccinated to help reach herd immunity.
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
- Ask CBS2's Dr. Max Your Vaccine Questions
- COVID Vaccine FAQ From CDC
- Vaccination Sites In New York City | Call 877-VAX-4NYC
- Track NYC Vaccinations By Zip Code
- Find A New York City Testing Site Near You
- Check NYC Testing Wait Times
- Resources: Help With Unemployment, Hunger, Mental Health & More
- Remote Learning Tools For Students And Parents At Home
- Complete Coronavirus Coverage
"It can affect kids. It can affect teenagers in a way that's really serious. As importantly, in terms of stopping the spread of this virus, we've got to get all the children and all the adolescents and young adults immunized," said Dr. Charles Schleien, executive director of Cohen Children's Medical Center.
Briana Justice, a 16-year-old from Brooklyn went all the way to Cohen Children's to get her shot.
It marked the first time in a year she can relax. She has a compromised immune system due to sickle cell anemia.
"I'm excited. I was very nervous to get the vaccine, but now that it's done and over with I feel like I have a form of protection now," Justice said.
"She could enjoy outdoors, go on vacation, and go back to things being normal," her father added.
READ MORE: COVID Vaccine: Moderna Begins Testing Shot For Children And Infants
Caitlin Bock, 16, has been learning remotely since the pandemic began, so she said she can't wait to start up activities again.
"I am in a whole bunch of different singing groups. I'm in theater in my school. I babysit and I tutor, so I've been tutoring all online. So if things go back to normal and the parents are OK with it, I might be able to tutor in-person. That would be so much easier," she said.
Parents do have to sign a form to allow their 16- and 17-year-olds to get the shot.
So far, none of the vaccines have yet been approved for people under 16.
