For COVID-19 vaccine information, please visit our FAQ page or VaccineTogetherNY.org or call (646) 697-VACC (8222). Be sure to sign up for Connect to receive updates about scheduling availability.
Menu
Weill Cornell Medicine
Patient Login Find a Doctor
Patient Care
Patient wearing a mask talking to a provider.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Weill Cornell Medicine, in partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian, is preparing to acquire and distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. Following a COVID-19 vaccine Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), coronavirus vaccinations will be available for the general public in 2021.

We are committed to keeping you safe and protecting you and your loved ones from COVID-19 during this unprecedented pandemic. COVID-19 vaccinations will be prioritized according to guidelines defined by state and federal agencies, and vaccines are expected to be distributed in phases.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine release plans and protocols, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the latest.

Patients Eligible for Receiving COVID-19 Vaccines

We are currently able to vaccinate those eligible individuals 65 and over who live in the five boroughs of New York City. Starting Tuesday, February 23, we are planning to vaccinate eligible individuals age 18 and over with comorbidities and underlying medical conditions who live in the five boroughs of New York City. Vaccination appointments are required.

To see if you’re eligible, please review the New York State Department of Health guidance on the groups included in this current phase of distribution. 

Existing Weill Cornell Medicine patients who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, will soon be able to schedule through our Connect patient portal for an appointment, as times become available in the upcoming weeks. For more details about eligibility and scheduling availability please visit Vaccine Together NY. To ensure your Connect account is active, please visit here to login or sign up today. 

We understand that many people will be interested in receiving a vaccination. Due to limited supply, availability will also be limited. You may also consider vaccination options through New York State and New York City.

Sign Up for Connect for Updates

We recommend that all patients sign up for a Connect account, as we will be communicating vaccine updates through the patient portal. Connect will also be used for scheduling once you are deemed eligible to receive the vaccine. To ensure your Connect account is active, please visit here to login or sign up today.

We recognize that all Americans are eager to learn more about the vaccine, so we have compiled a few frequently asked questions to address. More information about the vaccine will be updated as it becomes available.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

Why vaccinate against COVID-19?

Currently, there is no cure for COVID-19. A vaccine is a proven and safe way to help your body fight sickness; by strengthening your immune system to develop immunity to a disease, without having to get the disease first.

Who makes the COVID-19 vaccine?

Several manufacturers have been working to produce COVID-19 vaccines. The first vaccines expected to be authorized by the FDA are made by Pfizer and Moderna; both are similar in how they work and both are effective. 

When can I get vaccinated?

At this time, appointments for the vaccine are only available for those who are eligible per New York State guidelines. ​ Weill Cornell Medicine is only able to offer vaccines to existing patients who live in the five boroughs of New York City. For more details about eligibility and scheduling availability, please visit https://vaccinetogetherny.org 

Vaccines will be continue to be distributed in phases. We will be communicating vaccine updates through Connect patient portal, so we encourage you to sign up for an account today or update your current one, if it has been inactive.

For non-WCM patients, other vaccine sites for NYC residents are available and continue to open around the city to serve those who are eligible. You may search for these locations using the NYC COVID-19 Vaccine Finder. 

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

Yes. Extensive adult clinical trials were conducted with thousands of participants for the FDA to evaluate the vaccine's safety and effectiveness. This was a thorough process and no steps were skipped in the trials. In addition, New York State has set up a task force to review the vaccine before distribution in New York, and our own experts have reviewed that information.

Since December 2020, millions of Americans have received the vaccine without major unexpected side effects.

The vaccine is not recommended for people who may be allergic to the vaccines​' ingredients or for children under the age of 16 years old. Please consult with your physician first.

To learn more about U.S. COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials, please visit clinicaltrials.gov.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine effective?

Yes. Early results show greater than 95% effectiveness on non-pregnant adults. Since only non-pregnant adults participated in the early clinical trials for various COVID-19 vaccines, it may not be recommended for children at first. However, clinical trials continue to expand their recruitment into more populations and the groups recommended to receive the vaccines could grow in the near future. 

How does the COVID-19 vaccine work?

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines contain the mRNA code for a viral protein. This code allows the person’s own body to make the protein that then stimulates their immune system to create antibodies to help prevent illness. The vaccine is injected into the arm muscle and two doses are required to be effective.

Can I contract COVID-19 from the vaccine?

No. It is impossible for the vaccine to give you COVID-19; it does not use the live virus that causes COVID-19.

What are some side effects to the COVID-19 vaccine?

While some people have no reaction to the vaccine, the most common reaction reported  is  soreness  at the injection site. Other reactions that may be seen for a limited time  include fatigue, headache, muscle aches,  joint aches, and less commonly, fever. These reactions are normal and are a sign that your body is building immunity. These reactions are more likely to be experienced with the second dose. You will receive more information at the time of vaccination. 

To learn more about possible side effects, please to the CDC's Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines.

Is the vaccine recommended for children?

Since only non-pregnant adults participated in the early adult clinical trials for various COVID-19 vaccines, it may not be recommended for children under 16 years old at first. However, clinical trials continue to expand their recruitment into more populations and the groups recommended to receive the vaccines could grow in the near future. 

Am I required to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

No one is presently required to get the COVID-19 vaccine, but we strongly encourage you to get vaccinated. If you're not yet eligible for the vaccine, we highly recommend regularly washing your hands, wearing a mask, and keeping six feet between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.

I already had COVID-19. Do I still need to get vaccinated?

Yes, because some people have become re-infected with COVID-19 and the vaccine might provide better protection.

Will I still need to wear a mask after I get my COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, at least for a time. During the vaccine rollout it is still essential to follow CDC recommendations and use all available tools to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including masks and social distancing. As vaccines are distributed more widely, some of these requirements may change. 

How many doses of the vaccine is required?

Both vaccines require two doses and you need to take the same one twice. For the Pfizer vaccine, a second dose is required 21 days later. For Moderna, 28 days later.

Who should not get the COVID-19 vaccine?

The vaccine is not recommended for people who may be allergic to the vaccines​' ingredients or for children under the age of 16 years old. Please review the CDC's guides on ​​​​Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and the Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. Consult with your physician first. 

Should pregnant, expecting, or lactating adults take the vaccine?

Pregnant patients who get COVID-19 are at greater risk of being hospitalized and have an increased risk of death, and an even greater risk if they have another chronic condition. Discuss the vaccine with your provider at your next visit and weigh the risk and benefits

Recommendations for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), FDA & CDC below:

  • If you are thinking about getting pregnant you should get the COVID-19 vaccine to prevent the possible complications of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy.
  • If you are currently pregnant, you should be offered the COVID-19 vaccine, especially if you are in a high risk group (e.g., other chronic condition). While there were only a few pregnant women in the Pfizer and Moderna studies there is very little reason, based on how the vaccine is made, to think that there is concern about safety.  Larger studies testing the vaccine in pregnancy are being planned.
  • If you are breastfeeding you should go ahead and get the vaccine. There is no way for the vaccine to get into the breast milk or affect the baby. You should not stop breast feeding to get the vaccine. 

Can I choose which vaccine to receive?

No. You will given the vaccine available at the time of your appointment. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have extremely similar efficacy and safety. There are no recommendations for specific individuals who should get the Pfizer vs. Moderna vaccine.

Should I get it if I have allergic reactions?

As with any vaccine, of the millions of people who have received these vaccines, there have been a very small number that have experienced severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anyone who has had a history of a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine should NOT receive the vaccine. Please consult with your doctor first.

Does the current vaccine protect against the new coronavirus strain?

Yes, experts believe the COVID-19 vaccines will be effective against this variant. According to the CDC, there is no evidence that the new variant strain is able to evade immunity induced by current COVID-19 vaccines.

How can I see if I'm eligible for the vaccine?

Please complete this New York State Pre-Screener Form to find out if you may be eigible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine

How will I know if there are available COVID-19 vaccines?

Visit VaccineTogther. Appointment availability changes daily with vaccine supplies. Eligibility of patients for vaccination is determined by state guidelines. We make appointments available to eligible patients as soon as we know vaccine doses are available. When we have more vaccine, we will make appointments available in Connect.

Eligible patients who log into Connect will be able to schedule vaccination appointments as they are made available.

What is the latest communication to patients?

Please review our latest patient notice from February 17, 2021 below:

Update on COVID Vaccines from ColumbiaDoctors, Weill Cornell Medicine, and NewYork-Presbyterian

Dear Valued Patient,

We recently sent you a message that based on direction from New York State, people with certain medical conditions will be able to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine. ColumbiaDoctors, Weill Cornell Medicine, and NewYork-Presbyterian are planning to begin to vaccinate eligible individuals who reside in New York City on Tuesday, February 23. We ask that you understand that vaccine supplies are limited so appointments will only become available based on the supply we receive.

New York State has listed the medical conditions that are eligible. You can find the list here. New York State and New York City require that you must sign a form onsite at The Armory attesting that you have a medical condition that makes you eligible to be vaccinated, but you will not need other documentation of your medical condition.
 

What You Can Do
  1. Check to see if you are eligible:
    • Do you have one of the medical conditions listed?
    • Are you 18 years or older?
    • Do you live in New York City?
  2. If you answered yes to all of these questions and want to make an appointment:
    • Make sure you are registered on the Connect patient portal. If you do not have an account, click here for a guide.
    • You will then be able to log into Connect to search for an appointment time. Please note that under the new guidelines, many individuals will be eligible for vaccinations, but appointments and vaccine supplies will be limited.
  3. Make sure that your personal information is up to date. We will use the Connect patient portal to communicate the latest news and alerts through Connect.

For more information about the vaccines and how to use Connect, please visit https://VaccineTogetherNY.org.

For information on other locations in New York where eligible individuals, including those with underlying medical conditions, can be vaccinated, you can see the list of New York State vaccination locations or visit the New York City COVID-19 Vaccine Finder.

Thank you for your continued patience and for trusting us with your care.
 

More Information About COVID-19 Vaccines


Información sobre las vacunas para el COVID de parte de ColumbiaDoctors, Weill Cornell Medicine y NewYork-Presbyterian

Estimado/a paciente,

Recientemente le mandamos un mensaje que basado en información del estado Nueva York, personas con ciertas condiciones médicas podrán hacer una cita para recibir la vacuna COVID-19. ColumbiaDoctors, Weill Cornell Medicine, y NewYork-Presbyterian están planeando comenzar a vacunar a personas elegibles que residan en la ciudad de Nueva York el Martes 23 de Febrero. Pedimos que entiendan que la cantidad de vacuna disponible es limitada las citas estarán disponibles basada en la cantidad recibida.

El Estado de Nueva York a listado las condiciones medicas elegibles. Pueden encontrar la lista aquí. El estado de Nueva York y la Ciudad de Nueva York requiere que firmen un formulario en el Armory atestiguando que tienen una condición médica que lo hace elegible ser vacunado, pero no necesitara otra documentación de su condición médica.
 

Que puede hacer
  1. Revise para ver si es elegible
    • Tiene una de las condiciones médicas en la lista?
    • Es mayor de 18 años?
    • Vive en la ciudad de Nueva York?
  2. Si contesto si a todas las preguntas y quiere hacer una cita.
    • Asegúrese que este registrado en el portal de paciente Connect. Si no tiene una cuenta agá click aquí para recibir una guía.
    • Entonces podrá iniciar una sesión en Connect para hacer una cita. Porfavor tome en cuenta que debido a las nuevas reglas muchas personas estarán elegibles para vacunarse, pero citas y vacunas estarán limitadas.
  3. Asegúrense que su información personal está al día. Usaremos el portal del paciente Connect para comunicar la última información y alertas por Connect.

Para mas información acerca de la vacuna y como usar Connect por favor visite  https://VaccineTogetherNY.org   

Para mas información sobre otras localidades en Nueva York adonde personas elegibles, incluyendo personas con enfermedades medicas subyacentes, pueden ser vacunadas, pueden ver una lista New York State vaccination locations o visitar al sitio New York City COVID-19 Vaccine Finder.   

Gracias por su paciencia y por confiar en nosotros con su cuidado médico.
 

Para más información sobre la vacuna COVID-19

Who can get vaccinated?

We are currently able to vaccinate those eligible individuals 65 and over who live in the five boroughs of New York City. Vaccination appointments are required. If you are eligible due to your age, you must have proof of age and proof of residence in New York City, such as an unexpired New York driver's license or other form of valid NYS government ID that verifies your age and current residency.

To prove New York City residence, an individual may show:

  • One of the following: Statement from landlord; current rent receipt or lease; mortgage records; or
  • Two of the following: Statement from another person; current mail; school records.

You may consider vaccination options through New York State and New York City.

How do I print a record of my medical conditions for vaccination purposes?

If you would like to print a record of your medical conditions for vaccination purposes, please click here for instructions on how to access through your Connect patient portal.

What if I need to reschedule my vaccine appointment?

Click here for information on how to reschedule your vaccine appointment on Connect.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

Please wear loose fitting clothing to your appointment. A short sleeve shirt is preferable. Please wear comfortable shoes to your appointment. You will be walking indoors during your visit. As you arrive at the vaccination site, you will be required to go through a metal detector at a security checkpoint.

To expedite your experience at the Armory, please print and complete this form on the day of your appointment and bring it to the Armory with you. 

For second dose appointments, please bring your vaccination card with you to the Armory on the day of your appointment. 

Important: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, recently diagnosed with COVID-19, or require quarantine in accordance with CDC guidelines, please do not come in for your appointment. Please reschedule when you are well.  

Need to reschedule your appointment? Click here for a guide.

Where is the vaccination center?

The ColumbiaDoctors, Weill Cornell Medicine, and NewYork-Presbyterian vaccination center is at The Armory, 620-650 West 169th Street between Fort Washington Ave and Broadway. The ADA accessible entrance is 216 Fort Washington Avenue. A car service or ride service can drop off and pick up at both addresses. After your appointment, the best place to hail a cab is on Broadway. Click below for more information.

Directions to the Vaccination Center and Parking Information
Vaccine Center Fact Sheet

Find Other New York Vaccination Locations
Find Other NYC Vaccination Locations

What medical conditions qualify for the COVID-19 vaccine?

New York State has listed the medical conditions that are eligible. You can find the list here.

Vaccine Together

Eligible patients, per state guidelines, can schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, pending availability.

Learn More

Sign up for Connect or update your current Connect account to receive the latest updates about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Sign Up