Mayor Eric Adams announced this week that previously mandated COVID-19 vaccinations for city employees will now be optional.

Over 96% of city workers are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

This announcement from Adams comes nearly a year and a half after it was initially put into effect. City workers were told they had to have at least one dose of the vaccine in order to get their paychecks. But as of Friday, this is no longer the case.

Adams' office shared on Feb. 6 that though the mandate helped keep New Yorkers safe and city operations running smoothly during the pandemic, there are more tools and resources available today than there were just a year ago. Because of these options, the vaccine requirement is no longer necessary.

The end to the mandate also ends the vaccination requirement for nonpublic schools, early child care and daycare staff, and visitors at Department of Education buildings.

While this shows signs that the worst of the pandemic is behind, there were over 1,700 city employees who were terminated for failing to submit proof of vaccination back in 2021.

Adams' office also reported that city employees who were previously fired for failing to be vaccinated can reapply for positions with their former agencies through following existing city rules and regulations for the hiring process.