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NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) Weekly Newsletter
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The Delta Variant &
Why You Should Get Vaccinated
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Over 4.3 million New Yorkers have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19. However, in recent months, the number of doses administered in the City has fallen and cases are rising.
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Cases Rise in NYC
Over the past month, NYC went from 200 new COVID-19 cases a day to 500 or more. The test positivity rate has gone from 0.6% on average to 1.69%. Health officials have said the vast majority of those testing positive have not been fully vaccinated. Data from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene show that between January and June of 2021, 98.9% of cases, 98.4% of hospitalizations, and 98.9% of deaths from COVID- 19 were in people who were not fully vaccinated. Read more here.
What is the Delta Variant?
Virus variants and mutations emerge as viruses change to adapt and survive. The Delta variant of COVID-19 is far more contagious than the original form of the virus. According to the CDC, the Delta variant now accounts for 58% of COVID cases in the US, and cases attributed to Delta are surging in parts of the country where vaccine rates are low.
The Delta variant and a decline in vaccine demand are also contributing to a rise in cases in NYC. According to Commissioner Dave A. Chokshi, MD, of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: "The Delta variant now makes up 69% of sequenced cases in NYC. Delta is more transmissible and may lead to more severe illness. We believe this dangerous variant is driving some of the uptick in cases we’re seeing, especially among unvaccinated New Yorkers"
Learn more about the Delta variant here.
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Why You Should Get Vaccinated
The full dosage of a COVID-19 vaccine is effective in preventing hospitalizations and serious illness from COVID-19. Early data suggest that the vaccine also protects against the Delta variant.
Instances where a fully vaccinated person becomes infected with COVID-19, known as breakthrough cases, are rare. According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, vaccinated people are also less likely to transmit the disease if they do get infected. Learn more about the benefits of getting vaccinated here.
How to Get Vaccinated
Schedule Online:
You can schedule a vaccine appointment at nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (1-877-829-4692). To find other locations that may have appointments available visit:
Please note: People who are 12 to 17 years old are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccine.
Walk-ins Welcome:
All New Yorkers can now get their COVID-19 vaccine by simply walking into any of the CIty's 11 public hospital locations! To find a walk-up vaccination site near you, click here.
Get Vaccinated at Home:
All New Yorkers can request an in-home vaccination with the COVID-19 vaccine. You can also choose which vaccine you'd like to receive, such as Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson. Fill out this form to get started or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).
Additional Vaccine Incentives
New Yorkers who get the COVID vaccine shot between now and August 1st are eligible to enter the NYC Vaccine Contest. Contest prizes include:
- $2,500 cash
- NYC Staycation Packages
- Free tickets to NYC attractions
Learn more about vaccine incentives here.
Still Undecided?
If you are still undecided or you decided not to get vaccinated, please continue to:
- Wear a mask indoors and outdoors.
- Stay 6 feet apart from others.
- Get tested for COVID-19 often. Learn how you get a free COVID test here.
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DVS Programs and Initiatives
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Take the NYC Veterans and Military Community Survey
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Are you a member of NYC's veteran community? If so, take the NYC Veteran and Military Community Survey today! DVS will use your responses to shape programs and policies designed to improve the lives of veterans, military spouses, caregivers, and active duty service members across the five boroughs. Take the survey here!
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DVS partnered with GetFoodNYC to help deliver food to homebound veterans. We're also working to distribute HelloFresh meals to veteran families. Request food or learn how to volunteer to prepare meal kits by submitting your information to VetConnectNYC.
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Many veterans living in NYC are eligible for, but do not receive, their Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. That's why DVS is representing veterans and their families in claims for benefits. To schedule an online appointment with a member of our VA Claims Team, please submit your information to VetConnectNYC.
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Ending Veteran Homelessness in NYC
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Over the past five years, our housing team has moved over 1,000 veterans from shelters and into permanent housing. Learn more about DVS's efforts to end veteran homelessness in NYC here.
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How DVS Responded to the Pandemic
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Making supportive calls. Distributing face masks. Preparing meal kits. Housing the homeless. Processing VA benefit claims. Watch this video to learn how DVS responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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SITREP NYC: NYC's Official Veteran Podcast
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Listen to SITREP NYC, NYC's official veteran-focused podcast, to hear stories from veterans who are often ignored and underserved. Hear the complete season here or see below for a list of episodes:
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Stories of Transition
The Black Veteran Experience
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LGBT Veteran Stories
The Health of Women Veterans
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DVS updated its website to help EVERY veteran find the services that are right for them. Whether you're a student, transitioning, woman, LGBT, or a senior veteran - nyc.gov/vets has what you need.
Review the webpages on our site:
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Support a Veteran:
Media:
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