'Vax To School': NYC Students Have 1 Week To Get Fully Vaccinated

NEW YORK CITY — Call it "vax to school" homework.

This is the last week for New York City public school students to start their two-dose Pfizer coronavirus vaccine cycle so they can be fully vaccinated when classrooms open Sept. 13, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

"Now, I want to emphasize to all parents, this is the best week," de Blasio said Monday. "Go out there and get your vaccinated now, if they haven't already."

More than 200,000 children between 12 and 17 years old have been vaccinated so far, according to city data.

School officials have launched a vaccination blitz to boost those numbers. De Blasio said a $1.3 million ad campaign launches Monday to encourage youngsters to get their shots.

Later, officials issued a release dubbing it "Vax To School."

Chancellor Meisha Ross Porter likened it to back-to-school homework. Students can get shots at Summer Rising sites, shopping malls, pre-season athletic conditioning and other locations, she said.

"First, we will be calling every New York City family to make sure that they know their vaccination options, and to offer fast, easy at-home vaccination," she said. "That's right, no needs to schedule an entire outing. We will provide vaccines in the safety of your home. Secondly, our fantastic PTA’s are eligible through the City's vaccine referral program to earn $100 for every person they refer for their first shot."

PTA leaders can find out more at nyc.gov/vaccinereferralbonus and sign up as a referral partner, Porter said.

Children 12 and up have until Aug. 9 to get their first shot in time to be fully when school starts, officials said. The Pfizer vaccine requires a five-week period to full vaccination, which includes three weeks between the first and second doses.