News Flash

COVID-19 Vaccine Information as of 09/17/21

COVID-19 vaccine for people under 18

All individuals 12 and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, people under 18 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine.

Third doses and Boosters for Moderna and Pfizer

People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised can get their third dose of Pfizer or Moderna once they are 28 days out from their second dose. Booster doses will start being offered in late September for people who had their second dose in January; October for people who got their second dose in February; and so on. Stay tuned to our website and social media for updates including clinic dates/times.

COVID-19 Vaccine Providers and Clinics

Local Health Department Clinics

Pharmacy vaccinations

Please check their websites for information about vaccine availability and when and how to make an appointment.

• CVS Health
• Gerould’s Pharmacy
• Kinney Drugs
• Quinlan's Pharmacy
• Rite Aid 
• Tops Friendly Market
• Walgreens
• Walmart
• Wegmans Pharmacy
  

Eligible individuals can check with their primary care provider's office.

Some offices and health systems are providing vaccinations.

All eligible individuals can register to attend a NYS-run vaccination clinic. 

Visit https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ or call the NYS Vaccination Hotline 1-833-697-4829 to register.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I find out if I am eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine in NYS?

All individuals 12 and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Please note: While eligibility has expanded to people under 18, they are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine at this point. Individuals who are currently on isolation or quarantine are not eligible to be vaccinated.

How can people without internet access get registered for a clinic?

• They can attend a clinic that allows walk-ins.
• People without internet access can try checking with family or friends for assistance.
• If they are a Schuyler County resident who is 60 or older they can call Office for the Aging at 607-535-7108 for assistance.
• They can call the New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829) to make an appointment to attend a State-run vaccine site.
• They can call our office at 607-535-8140 for assistance signing up for a public health clinic.

Do I have to pay to get the vaccine?

No – there is no cost or co-pay for the vaccine and you can get it even if you don't have insurance. While some locations charge an administration fee to people's insurance, anything that's not covered by insurance should not be charged to the patient. If you end up receiving a bill, reach out to the location's billing department to get it corrected.

Why should I get vaccinated?

Getting the vaccine will help keep you, your family, and our community safe and help us all return to normal sooner.

Will getting vaccinated help keep me from getting sick with COVID-19?

Yes - the currently available vaccines have been shown to be very effective at preventing sickness with COVID-19.

How soon after getting vaccinated am I protected from COVID-19?

The COVID-19 vaccines, like all vaccines, do not instantly provide protection. It takes time for your immune system to respond to the vaccine and develop disease-fighting antibodies. People are considered "fully vaccinated" - or protected from the disease - about 2 weeks after they complete the vaccine series.

• For multi-dose vaccines, this would be two weeks after your final dose.
• For single-dose vaccines, this would be two weeks after your vaccine.

After I get my COVID-19 vaccine, do I still need to wear a mask and social distance?

Most people can safely resume activities without wearing masks or social distancing once they are fully vaccinated (2 weeks after completing their vaccine series) if they are in an area with low or moderate levels of community transmission. For now, masks and social distancing are still needed in certain places, such as healthcare settings, Pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, and nursing homes even if someone is fully vaccinated. People with certain health conditions or who are taking medications that weaken their immune system should check with their doctor before they stop wearing masks and social distancing. Recommendations related to masks and social distancing will continue to be updated as medical experts examine the data. How many people end up getting vaccinated will also impact when and how the recommendations are changed. For the most current guidance for fully vaccinated people, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html. 

Will I still need to quarantine if I'm exposed to someone with COVID-19 after I am fully vaccinated?

If you are a close contact of someone who tests positive for COVID-19, you will not need to quarantine as long as:

• It's been at least two weeks since you completed your vaccine series AND
• You are not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19

Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe?

The Public Health and Medical communities are confident that these vaccines are safe and effective. While the process to develop these vaccines may seem fast, they were built on years of thorough research and work addressing other types of coronaviruses. All the typical steps and safety measures were followed during its development and every study, every phase, and every trial was reviewed by the FDA and safety boards of medical experts. The speed of development was due to the sharing of research and massive collaboration on a scale never attempted before.

As of August 2021, more than 200 million Americans have been vaccinated, and medical experts continue to watch closely for any potential safety concerns. There is safety data going all the way back to when the vaccines where in clinical trials and medical experts are confident that the vaccines are safe and effective. If you have other questions or hesitations, or want tips for talking to friends or family about getting vaccinated, check out this article from Johns Hopkins University: https://www.jhsph.edu/covid-19/articles/how-can-i-talk-to-my-friends-and-family-about-getting-vaccinated-for-covid19.html.

What should I expect after I get vaccinated?

While some people feel completely normal after getting the vaccine, others may experience some symptoms. You may feel muscle soreness on the arm where you got the shot – you could even have a fever, headache, or feel tired afterward. These are signs that your immune system is responding to the vaccine and learning how to fight off the virus. Don't worry if you don't experience these symptoms though - the vaccine is still working and your body is still learning how to fight off the virus. If you do have any symptoms, mild pain relievers can help you feel better. If you are having any pain or discomfort where you got the shot, you could also apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth to the area to help you feel better. If you don’t feel better within two or three days, you should follow-up with your doctor.

Can I sign up to receive notifications when this page is updated?

Yes - you can sign up to receive text or email notifications about updates from Public Health and other county departments.

1. Click on the gear icon next to the search box at the top of the page.
2. Click on Notifications in the dropdown menu.
3. Follow the directions on the page to subscribe to receive text and/or email updates from different county departments.
   • To get notifications about updates to this page, make sure you have signed up for Public Health under the "News Flash" section.

Where can I learn more about COVID-19 Vaccination?

You can visit the following websites for more information:

• Learn more about CDC’s guidance for fully vaccinated people at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html 
• Learn more about NYS’s phased vaccine distribution plan at https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/phased-distribution-vaccine
• Click here for information about COVID-19 vaccines that are being developed
• 8 Things to Know about COVID-19 Vaccines
• Click here or here to find more answers to COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)