Prevention

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Since the beginning of the year, COVID vaccines have been shown to be the most effective method of preventing one from contracting COVID-19. The three types of vaccines- Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson- all stimulate the immune system to fight against COVID, while not actually injecting the recipient with the virus itself.

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Vaccines are safe, effective, free, and confidential. ICE cannot show up to vaccine sites, and you will not be asked about citizenship status when you get your shot. Most City-run sites no longer require appointments, but other locations still do. Find a location near you where you can get the vaccine at NYC Vaccine Finder. CIANA can also help you book an appointment. Call us at (718) 545-4040.

• Wear a face covering when you are near people

• Stay at least 6 feet away from people outside your household

• Get tested frequently (even if you don’t have symptoms)

• Wash your hands often

• Avoid indoor and crowded spaces

Symptoms

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.

Getting Tested

All New Yorkers can get COVID-19 (and COVID-19 antibody) tests that are FREE, safe, and confidential.

• You do not need health insurance to get a COVID-19 or antibody test at an NYC Health + Hospitals location or at many other testing sites across the city.

• You will not be asked about your immigration status.

• COVID-19 testing and care services are not a public benefit under the public charge rule.

• No appointment is needed.

Find a testing site and further information here.

What you should do if you test positive

• Stay at home except to get medical care.

  • You can get a FREE hotel room to quarantine if you test positive for or have been exposed to COVID-19. Learn more here.

• Isolate yourself from other people.

• Stay hydrated and take over the counter medicines, like acetaminophen.

• Call your doctor.

  • If you can’t afford or don’t qualify for health insurance, enroll in NYC Care.

• Answer calls from contact tracers.

  • If you receive a call from “NYC Test + Trace” or numbers beginning with 212-540-XXXX or 212-242-XXXX, please answer.

  • All calls are confidential and private and are meant to stop the spread of the virus.

More information

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• COVID-19 Information (NYC.gov)

• COVID-19 Information (CDC)

• Test and Trace (NYC Health + Hospitals)

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