New Yorkers need reliable information from a trusted source when making important decisions regarding their health.
On March 24, 2021, New York City Emergency Management and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene partnered to host the third installment of the “Ready Up NYC” monthly webinar series.
The webinar focused on increasing listeners’ understanding of the vaccine development process as well as highlighted the City’s emphasis on an equitable distribution. Dr. Rima Oken, director of policy at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Division of Disease Control, also shared information on how individuals can check their eligibility status, find a vaccination site near them, and setup an appointment. You can watch the webinar below.
“Getting a CoViD-19 vaccine is the first step to bringing us all back together, so it is important that New Yorkers receive accurate information from a trusted source,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Deanne Criswell. “This month’s ‘Ready Up NYC’ webinar was a great opportunity to engage with residents and provide helpful resources that can help New Yorkers make informed decisions on their health.”
Dr. Rima Oken discussed New York City’s vaccine rollout strategy, including a focus on equitable distribution to Black and Latino communities. Dr. Oken emphasized the need to ensure that vulnerable communities remain a priority in the vaccine distribution process, and stressed that individuals are encouraged to get a vaccine regardless of immigration status. She also shared information on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval process for the three authorized vaccines, and mentioned common side effects individuals can expect. New Yorkers can get the vaccine at various sites across the city including healthcare facilities and pharmacies as well as City-and-State-run facilities. For the most current list of groups eligible for a vaccination, visit here. Eligible New Yorkers can also find their nearest vaccine site and schedule an appointment by visiting, here.
During the webinar, the Ready New York team also highlighted the three basic steps to emergency preparedness: making a plan, gathering supplies and staying informed. “Ready Up NYC” is a monthly webinar series focused on providing preparedness tips to all residents of New York City for any emergency that may come their way. (You can watch the previous webinars here.) New Yorkers can also request a virtual Ready New York presentation for their organization, workplace, or house of worship by visiting here.
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About Ready New York
Ready New York is NYC Emergency Management’s public education campaign. Through the program, you can learn about the hazards you may face in New York City and prepare for all types of emergencies by writing an emergency plan, choosing a meeting place, gathering supplies for your home, and preparing a Go Bag in case you need to leave your home in a hurry. For more information on how you can stay prepared, please visit here.