COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Should Know

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The Institute for Family Health is offering the updated Moderna vaccine for ages 6 months and up.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine recommendations here.

For New York City vaccine sites, visit https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/ or call 877-VAX-4NYC. Outside of NYC, visit https://www.vaccines.gov/ or call 833-NYS-4-VAX.

For COVID-19 vaccine information in Ulster and Dutchess counties, visit https://covid19.ulstercountyny.gov/vaccine-resource-center/ and https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/DBCH/COVID-19-Vaccine- Information.htm.

Ready to get vaccinated? Here’s what you should know:

  • We are currently offering the updated Moderna vaccine for ages 6 months and up.
  • Current patient? Call 844-IFH-APPT (844-434-2778) to schedule an appointment or visit MyChart.
  • Not a current patient? Schedule here.
  • Appointments are available at our sites in the Mid-Hudson Valley, the Bronx,* Manhattan,* and Brooklyn.
    *COVID-19 vaccines are not available at Westchester Square or Amsterdam Family Health Center.
  • If you need to cancel your appointment, please call 844-434-2778.

Questions and Answers about the COVID-19 Vaccine


Is the vaccine safe? Has it been tested enough?

Because COVID-19 is so serious, scientists from all over the world have worked together to create safe vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines were tested in large research studies to make sure they are safe. People of different ages, races, and ethnicities, as well as those with different medical conditions, volunteered to participate in these studies, which have shown the vaccines are safe. The U.S. government, New York State, and many countries around the world have set up special committees to make sure the vaccines are safe.

Will the vaccine give me COVID-19 or make me feel sick?

The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19. You may feel some side effects from the vaccine. Your arm might feel sore or warm, or look red. You might get a headache or a fever. These side effects are a sign that your immune system is working.

These side effects should go away on their own within a week. If you have more serious side effects, please call us so we can help.

If I had COVID-19, do I still need to get vaccinated?

Yes. People who have had COVID-19 can get it again. Even if you had COVID-19 and you think you might be immune, getting the vaccine is the safest choice. However, you should not get vaccinated if you are currently sick with COVID-19. If you have received infusion or treatment for COVID-19 or if you have COVID-19 now, talk to your provider about when to get vaccinated.

If I recently received another vaccine, can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

You can get your COVID-19 vaccine on the same day as other vaccines. You do not need to delay your regular vaccines or COVID-19 vaccine.

Can people who are pregnant get the vaccine?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your provider. Medical professionals are encouraging people who are pregnant and breastfeeding to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

What should I do after I’m vaccinated?

Continue to follow New York State guidelines on preventing the spread of COVID-19.

For the most up to date information, visit this page institute.org/covid19vaccine
or talk to your provider.