The Peru Gazette

I’m very pleased to share that we hit a new vaccine milestone — 75% of ALL New Yorkers have rolled up their sleeves to get at least one vaccine dose. With children age 5-11 now eligible, I know we can hit 80% soon. I had a chance to meet some of the young kids who have rolled up their sleeves — and I let them know that they are our superheroes in the fight against COVID.

The holidays are coming and a great gift to your family, friends, and neighbors is your COVID-19 vaccine. If you haven’t gotten your first dose yet, set up an appointment today.

Let’s dive in.

UPDATES IN OUR FIGHT AGAINST COVID

VACCINATE, EDUCATE, GRADUATE. Young kids might not be thinking about college yet, but we know parents are! 5-11 year-olds who get their vaccine can enter for a chance to win a full-ride scholarship to any SUNY or CUNY school. Parents & guardians can go online or call 1-833-697-4829 to enter.

VAX FOR KIDS RESOURCES. Our Vax for Kids website gives parents all the information they need to make the decision to get their children vaccinated, and we’re making it even better. New posters, graphics, certificates, and stickers are available for download now and will be in doctors’ offices across the state soon.

VAX BADGE STICKER CONTEST. We’re launching a contest for parents and guardians to submit their child’s vaccine sticker designs. Submit an image of your design to me (@GovKathyHochul) via social media, say where you’re from and use the hashtag #NYVaxForKids. Lucky winners from across the state will be selected to be featured on our “I’m Vaccinated” stickers!

THE LATEST ON THE NUMBERS

THIS WEEK’S COVID TRENDS. As of November 8, 2021, there are 1,878 New Yorkers hospitalized with COVID-19. Our 7-day percentage positivity average was 2.65%, which is up from 2.24% last week.

Per the CDC as of November 9, 2021, 88.5% of adult New Yorkers have at least one vaccine dose. So far, 27,863,643 total vaccine doses have been administered, and 62,550 doses were administered over the past 24 hours.

Photo of the Day: Yesterday, I met a brave and heroic young New Yorker who was excited to get her first dose of the Pfizer COVID vaccine. And she was lucky enough to get her vaccine under the blue whale at the American Museum of Natural History.

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS

Every week, we’re answering some commonly asked questions about COVID-19 and vaccinations.  You can submit a question for a chance to get your question answered in next week’s newsletter. Submit your question here.

QUESTION: Are booster shots available, if so, where? (Evone, Queens County)

ANSWER: There are now booster recommendations for all three COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States. The CDC and New York State Department of Health recommend that certain individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine get their “booster dose” at least six months after their initial series. These individuals include those who are 65 years and older and individuals who are 18 and older who live in long-term care settings, have underlying medical conditions, or who work or live in high-risk settings. Additionally, booster doses are recommended for all individuals 18 and older who received the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least two months ago.

My friends, as we draw near the holiday season, let’s keep looking out for one another and keep each other safe. We’re making progress in our vaccination efforts and I hope that upward trend continues. Protect yourself and your loved ones and get vaccinated. Enjoy the rest of your week.

Ever Upward,

Governor Kathy Hochul