COVID-19
COVID-19 SUPPORT FOR PROVIDERS
NYC REACH Membership is not required to receive the following:
- Guidance on ordering COVID-19 vaccines
- Updates on potential funding opportunities and policy changes
Read below to learn more. NYC REACH Members are entitled to these services in addition to their current support.
As of September 13, 2023 COVID-19 vaccines moved to a commercial market and are no longer provided by the federal government. Providers must purchase COVID-19 vaccines from the commercial market for most patients, as they do for other vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines will remain at no cost for most patients through private health insurance plans, Medicare and Medicaid.
FQHCs and similar practices are eligible for free Moderna & Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for uninsured adults through DirectRelief. Email usaprograms@directrelief.org to set up an account.
For uninsured and underinsured patients, eligible providers may be able to obtain no-cost COVID-19 vaccines through two programs:
- Vaccines for Children (VFC) – Learn about VFC eligibility and enrollment
- Vaccines for Adults (VFA), also known as the Bridge Access Program for COVID-19 Vaccines
Providers can also refer uninsured and underinsured patients to selected public-facing vaccination locations, such as pharmacies and health centers. Use the NYC Vaccine Finder‘s ‘Insurance’ filter to find sites across the city that offer no cost vaccines to uninsured patients. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email nycimmunize@health.nyc.gov.
Review the most recent CDC Clinical Guidance here, which includes the COVID-19 Immunization Schedule, Information and Standing Orders by Brand, Education for Patients and Parents, Prevaccination Screening Checklist, and Emergency Use Instructions.
Review this Dear Colleague Letter on COVID-19 Vaccinations, with information directly relating to New York City populations and providers.
Review and print this flyer from the NYC Health Department to inform patients on how to detect, prevent, and treat respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, the flu, and RSV.
Download COVID-19 flyers for your practice:
Why is it important for older adults to get vaccinated?
Older adults are at increased risk of getting very sick, being hospitalized, and dying from COVID-19, flu and RSV. Certain underlying medical conditions, such as chronic kidney, heart or lung disease or diabetes, increase the risk of severe illness from these viruses.
Older Adult Vaccination FAQ Flyers
FINDING AN APPOINTMENT
- Select New York City vaccination sites offer walk-in vaccinations. Find a site here.
- To schedule an appointment, New Yorkers can visit www.nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or 877-829-4692.
- To schedule an appointment for a patient, providers can call 877-829-4692 and press 2 at the second prompt.
VACCINE CLINICS:
- These clinics will provide vaccines at no cost, regardless of immigration status, insurance, or ability to pay. Walk-ins are accepted- no appointment needed.
- Download flyers for Corona, Morrisania, Bedford and East Harlem Vaccine sites.
UPDATE: As of May 3, 2023, providers can bill for vaccine counseling encounters for with patients under the age of 21.
COVID-19 vaccine counseling is now covered by New York State (NYS) Medicaid for people ages 21 years and younger who have not received any dose of a COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., not applicable to additional dose or booster counseling). Please refer to NYS Medicaid guidance for COVID-19 Vaccine Counseling here.
Use Every Opportunity Script Tool
A provider’s vaccine recommendation is critical to patients receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The Use Every Opportunity Script Tool can help providers start conversations around vaccination with their patients.
Review the COVID-19 Vaccine Coding Guide for supply codes and administration codes based on which dose or booster you administer. This guide was last updated on October 10, 2023. Contact your NYC REACH representative or your individual plans for more information.
Check back for more information soon.
Clinical Decision Support for COVID-19 Vaccination
EHR systems require different steps to configure the Clinical Decision Support tool for COVID-19 vaccination alerts. View the guides we have compiled for multiple EHRs on how to set up these alerts.
Creating Patient Lists by Age with eClinicalWorks Registry (PDF)
Follow this guide to generate a list of patients by age using the eClinicalWorks Registry and send messages to those patients through eCW to inform them about the vaccine.
Creating Patient Lists by Condition with eClinicalWorks Registry (PDF)
Follow this guide to generate a list of patients by condition using the eClinicalWorks Registry and send messages to those patients through eCW to inform them about the vaccine.
If your practice administered COVID-19 vaccines in the 2023-2024 season, please review these Citywide Immunization Registry guides to trouble-shoot documentation and transmission errors.
New York University, in collaboration with NYC REACH, surveyed health care providers, most of whom practiced in small primary care practices, to assess their needs and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was conducted in six waves between April 10 and July 23, 2020, to track how challenges evolved and how practices and providers adapted. The documents below include key findings from each wave of the survey. NYC REACH uses this information to advocate and seek support for practices.
Wave 1 Report (Fielded April 14 – April 23)
Wave 2 Report (Fielded April 24 – May 7)
Wave 3 Report (Fielded May 8 – May 21)
Wave 4 Report (Fielded May 22 – June 4)
Wave 5 Report (Fielded June 5 – June 18)
Wave 6 Report (Fielded July 14 – July 23)
NYC REACH supported the City’s providers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The list below is not exhaustive and will be updated as our work evolves.
- PPE Distribution – Small practices and independent pharmacies were able to order pre-packaged PPE kits through participating distribution partners.
- COVID-19 Isolation Hotel Program – This program offered free hotel rooms for people who need to self-isolate but were unable to do so in their living situation.
- PCP Survey – New York University, in collaboration with NYC REACH, surveyed health care providers, most of whom practiced in small primary care practices, to assess their needs and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was conducted in six waves between April 10 and July 23, 2020, to track how challenges evolved and how practices and providers adapted. The documents below include key findings from each wave of the survey. NYC REACH uses this information to advocate and seek support for practices.