State Department of Health to offer Free Covid-19 Vaccines At the Great New York State Fair

First, Second and Booster Shots Available for Ages 5 and Over at Special Clinic on Fairgrounds in Syracuse
Learn more about COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters here

ALBANY, N.Y. (August 23, 2022) – The New York State Department of Health will be operating a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on the grounds of the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse during its entire 13-day run, beginning August 24. The clinic will be open from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. every day of the fair, inside the Exposition Center. Access to the clinic is included with Fair admission. There is no charge for the vaccines or boosters and insurance is not required.

"We want to ensure that every New Yorker has ample opportunities to protect themselves and their loved ones from the COVID-19 virus, regardless of whether they have a regular health care provider," State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said. "As we prepare for a potential COVID-19 surge in the fall as schools begin, we know how to best limit serious illness from COVID-19: students and staff should get vaccinated and boosted. It's that simple."

The State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend all eligible adults, adolescents and children down to 6 months old get fully vaccinated. In addition, all those eligible should receive a COVID-19 booster or additional dose.

Great New York State Fair Interim Director Sean Hennessey said, "The Great New York State Fair is honored to host the Department of Health's COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Exposition Center and provide New Yorkers with tools to stay healthy. The New York State Fair is known for being a place that celebrates community. That's demonstrated through showcasing the best of New York agriculture and providing top-quality entertainment, but also in serving as an information and resource hub to help our neighbors."

The Great New York State Fair clinic will offer the Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson vaccines.

Pfizer will be available to those aged 5+ who need a first, second or booster dose. Those receiving their first vaccine will receive information directing them to get a second dose from their local provider, such as a pharmacy. Booster doses are recommended at least 5 months after completion of the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines for the Pfizer vaccine.

The Johnson & Johnson booster will also be available to eligible fairgoers requesting it, after a consultation with on-site medical evaluators. The recommended wait time for boosters after completing the Johnson and Johnson initial series is 2 months. Boosters can be administered regardless of the initial vaccine received.

New Yorkers aged 50 and older who've already received a booster should also get a second one at least four months after their initial booster dose. Vaccines and boosters are also recommended for those who have had COVID-19 to help protect against reinfection.

The vaccination clinic is for walk-ins only.

For information about COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, visit here.

For information about the Great New York State Fair, visit here.