COVID-19: Prevention and Groups at Higher Risk - NYC Health

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COVID-19: Prevention and Groups at Higher Risk

COVID-19
Vaccine
Data
Prevention and Groups at Higher Risk
When You Are Sick
Long COVID
Express Testing
Information for Providers

COVID-19

Vaccine

Data

Prevention and Groups at Higher Risk

When You Are Sick

Long COVID

Express Testing

Information for Providers


The best way to protect yourself and those around you from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.

Learn more about the benefits of vaccination.

Prevention Tips

Get Vaccinated

COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for people ages 6 months and older.

Visit the NYC COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Finder or call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319) to find a vaccination site.

COVID-19: Vaccine

Wear a Mask

Always wear a mask if you're sick and unable to separate from others, and for 5 days after you leave home once you start feeling better, as you still may be contagious.

Always wear a mask for 10 days after being exposed to someone who has COVID-19.

Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor public settings, such as on public transit, at large events, and when shopping in crowded stores, especially when COVID-19 levels increase.

Consider wearing a mask if you are at high risk for severe COVID-19 or are around others who are.

Wear a high-quality mask, such as a KN95, KF94 or N95, for the best protection from COVID-19.

Get Tested

Get tested if you have symptoms or were recently exposed.

COVID-19: Express Testing: Schedule an appointment at the Health Department's free Express testing site, which usually return test results within a few hours. Testing is available regardless of immigration status.

Visit NYC Health + Hospitals for testing, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.

Order free at-home test kits from the federal government, or purchase one at your local pharmacy or a trusted online retailer.

If you test positive, you may be eligible for treatment. Treatment works best the sooner you begin, so it is important to get tested and seek care right away.

Stay Home If Sick

Follow all isolation guidance, including wearing a mask. COVID-19 is very contagious. You can spread COVID-19 even if you do not have symptoms.

COVID-19: When You Are Sick

Wash Your Hands

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Watch: COVID-19: Handwashing Tips

People at Increased Risk of Severe Illness

People at increased risk of severe illness — who are more likely to require hospitalization if they get COVID-19 — need to be especially careful. If you are at increased risk for severe illness, treatment is available.

Among adults, the risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at highest risk. For example, people in their 50s are at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 40s. Similarly, people in their 60s or 70s are, in general, at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 50s.

People of any age with the underlying health conditions identified by the CDC are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19:

CDC: People with Certain Medical Conditions and COVID-19 Risk Factors

Racial/Ethnic Groups

Long-standing systemic health and social inequities — such as in education, employment, housing and health care access — have put people from some racial and ethnic groups (including Black, Latino and Indigenous people) at increased risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19.

Studies have shown that people from some racial and ethnic groups are dying from COVID-19 at younger ages. People of color are often younger when they develop chronic medical conditions and may be more likely to have more than one condition.