Second booster eligibility open

State outlines the availability for different ages

New Yorkers 50 years old and older who received their first booster at least four months ago are eligible for their second COVID-19 vaccine booster, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office said Saturday.

Also, adults ages 18 to 49 years who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for their primary vaccine and initial booster dose now may receive a second booster four months after their first booster dose, the governor’s office said.

Also eligible for the second booster are New Yorkers 12 years and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. Booster doses are widely available statewide and are free, according to the governor’s office.

“Second boosters are now available to eligible New Yorkers statewide, including at all of the state’s mass vaccination sites,” Hochul said. “Getting vaccinated and staying up-to-date with all recommended doses is the most effective way to prevent severe illness and hospitalization, and move safely forward through this pandemic.”

The guidelines follow the approval from the Federal Drug Administration of the emergency use authorization for a second booster and the updated recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control.