New York State Department of Health Launches New Campaign to Encourage New Yorkers With Underlying Medical Conditions to Stay Up-to-date With A Covid-19 Bivalent Booster

Campaign Reinforces Importance of Knowing Your Risk and Getting Boosted to Avoid Severe Illness or Death from the Virus

Watch the Campaign Videos Here

Information About the COVID-19 Booster Available Here

ALBANY, N.Y. (February 24, 2023) – The New York State Department of Health is launching a new campaign to encourage New Yorkers who have underlying medical conditions to be aware of the risks of contracting COVID-19 and the importance of getting and staying up-to-date with the recommended bivalent booster to avoid serious illness, hospitalization, or even death.

"Serious illness and death from COVID-19 remains a very real possibility, particularly for New Yorkers who have weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses," Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "This new campaign delivers an important message about who is most at risk and their need to get a COVID-19 booster as soon as possible and to stay current with a booster in the future. If you have not had a COVID vaccine after September 2022, you are not up to date."

Among the underlying medical conditions that put individuals at risk of severe illness from the COVID-19 virus are:

  • Age 65 and older
  • Pregnancy
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Heart or lung disease
  • Weakened immune system

The 12-week campaign will initially feature two videos that highlight these underlying health conditions that put individuals at risk. The ads will air on TV, social media, and streaming services. Additional messaging and materials will be added during the campaign.

Two videos are available in both English and Spanish, which you can view here:

  • 30-second English language version.
  • 30-second Spanish language version.
  • 15-second English language version.
  • 15-second Spanish language version.

Here is the script for the 30-second videos:

  • Why get a COVID booster?
    If you're 65 or older, a COVID booster can help keep you out of the hospital.
    And, if you have heart disease, a COVID booster can help you stay healthy.
    With COPD or other lung diseases, getting a COVID booster could keep you off a ventilator.
    Anyone can get severely ill from COVID.
    But some people are more at risk.
    Know your risk and make sure you're up to date on your COVID vaccine.

Below is the script for the 15-second videos:

  • If you're 65 or older, or have an underlying health condition, you may be at higher risk for severe illness, hospitalization and even death from COVID-19.
    Know your risk and make sure you're up to date on your COVID vaccines.

The Department continues to advise all New Yorkers to receive a COVID-19 booster to protect themselves and their loved ones against potentially serious illness, in addition to those who are deemed most at risk. In December, the Department updated its guidance for a booster, which is available for eligible children aged 6 months and older.

Information about COVID-19 boosters is available here.

Learn more about what the State is doing to combat the virus, including where to find test sites, treatments and vaccines, here.