Important Coronavirus Updates for Retirees, Veterans and Seniors

COVID vaccine eligibility expanded to individuals 12 years and older

All individuals age 12 or older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As of Aug. 16 2021, New Yorkers with compromised immune systems can now receive their third COVID-19 vaccine dose.

How to schedule your appointment:

COVID vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, local health departments, clinics, federally qualified health centers and other locations across the state. To find a provider near you, visit vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 888-720-7489).

You can also get a vaccine at a New York state-operated vaccination site. Visit the state Department of Health’s vaccination appointment page for available locations and vaccine types.

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Coronavirus Scams On the Rise

Scam artists continue targeting seniors, taking advantage of fear and confusion created by the coronavirus emergency.

One scam involves people trying to steal stimulus checks. They are making phone calls and sending text messages and deceptive “phishing” emails to try to obtain personal information from unsuspecting victims.

Beware of any message or caller that wants your personal financial information, such as your bank account or Social Security number. Recent scams include callers claiming to be SSA representatives warning of “benefit suspensions.”

The stimulus payments will be sent by the IRS which will never call, text, or email you to verify your banking information.

Another scam involves callers offering a “COVID-19 package,” test or information about Medicare benefits related to the pandemic. The Federal Trade Commission says that if you get a call claiming to be from Medicare asking for your information — HANG UP!

Like the IRS, the SSA and Medicare will never call you to ask for your personal information.