Madison County Health Department Holds COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for those Eligible

The Madison County Health Department (MCDOH) will be hosting COVID-19 vaccination clinics for those people who are eligible for a vaccine this week.  The MCDOH will be administering 1,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine to those who are eligible.

Currently, New York State is in week 4 of Phase 1A of prioritization of the vaccine distribution.  The following populations are prioritized for vaccination:

• High-risk hospital and FQHC staff, including OMH psychiatric centers
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel
• Medical Examiners and Coroners
• Funeral workers who have direct contact with infectious material and bodily fluids
• Agency staff and residents in congregate living situations run by the OPWDD, OMH and OASAS
• Urgent Care providers
• Staff administering the COVID-19 vaccine
• All Outpatient/Ambulatory front-line, high-risk health care workers of any age who provide direct in-person patient care, or other staff in a position in which they have direct contact with patients (i.e., intake staff)

o This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who work in private medical practices; hospital-affiliated medical practices; public health clinics; specialty medical practices of all types; dental practices of all types; dialysis workers; diagnostic and treatment centers; occupational therapists; physical therapists; speech therapists; phlebotomists; behavioral health workers; and student health workers

• All front-line, high-risk public health workers who have direct contact with patients, including those conducting COVID-19 tests, those handling COVID-19 lab specimens and those directly engaged in COVID-19 vaccinations, will be eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine.

Individuals who are part of the above prioritization list can book an appointment for one of the Madison County vaccine clinics by clicking here or by calling 315.366.2361.

Clinics are NOT open to the public. This is not a wait list, these clinics are only open to those considered to be part of Phase 1A by New York State and have an appointment.

Individuals who make appointments must bring proof of eligibility for vaccination. Any person arriving for vaccination who does not have proof of their occupation or priority status will not be vaccinated. Since vaccine is scarce, it is important to bring proof of working as a health care staff member or in a prioritized profession to the vaccination site. This could include an employee ID card, a letter from an employer or affiliated organization, or a pay stub. Alternatively, employers or organizations can provide a list of staff who meet the criteria for vaccination.

Please remember that the COVID-19 vaccine is a two shot series.  You will need to get a second shot 28 days after your first one, of the same brand of vaccine.  Individuals who need to receive their second shot may also sign up for these clinics.

“We have a long road ahead, but being able to host vaccine clinics is the first step,” said Madison County Public Health Director Eric Faisst.  “Being able to vaccinate people gives us hope, as we begin to gain some control over this pandemic.  Vaccinating is what we do; public health department staff are trained and experienced in administering community vaccination events.”

Even though people are being vaccinated we all must still do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19.  Please remember the 3W’s – Wear a face mask, Watch your social distancing, and Wash your hands. For more information, visit the Madison County Health Department website at www.healthymadisoncounty.org.