COVID-19 vaccine update as of 1/22/21: We have received an overwhelming amount of emails, Facebook messages and phone calls and we cannot get to them all about COVID vaccine appointments.  We would like to provide some clarification for the 65 and up population whom are are eligible under 1B.  Right now, you all know that vaccine is in very limited supply and it is estimated that it may be this way well into February and possibly March before supply is increased.   Public Health sets up vaccination clinics as vaccine becomes available. It is shipped to us once a week if we do in fact get any.  If there is enough vaccine, community clinics will be set up.  There are no wait lists at Public Health to be put on.  When a clinic is set up, a registration link is put on our FB page and website.  You can go to the registration link and make an appointment.  Yes, appointment slots are taken up very quickly.  NYS has directed pharmacies  as the primary vaccinator for those 65 and up and soon doctor offices will receive vaccine to start vaccinating this population as well.  This population will have to continue to wait weeks, possibly months, until there is more vaccine available to meet the demand.  Here in Yates County, Rite Aid is the only pharmacy who has received vaccine to date and their vaccination appointments are limited as well.  They are using their own registration website which was overloaded and is currently being worked on.  The NYS "Am I Eligible" website only gives you NYS sponsored vaccination clinic locations.  When you fill out their form on the website, this is a one time thing and if you do not find any appointments after searching the locations, you then have to fill out the very same form again when you visit the site again. By filling out the form, it does not put you on a wait list or any type of call back list for NYS vaccination clinics.  We have no control over their website as well so please direct all your concerns and frustrations regarding the "Am I Eligible" site to NYSDOH.  Public Health can assist someone without internet to register for a Public Health clinic, if we have any appointments open.  We are also asking family members and friends to help those without internet access in registering them when appointments become available.   We have posted other pharmacy websites on our Public Health website as alternative options for 65 and up to try and access vaccination appointments.  We understand the high level of frustration everyone is feeling and we are hoping each week we receive a little more vaccine to help meet the overwhelming demand. 

To find out if you are eligible in 1A and 1B to receive the vaccine, go to the NYSDOH website.  

NYS Vaccination Hotline # 1-833-697-4829 - You can call this hotline to see if you are eligible and to schedule a vaccination appointment at a NYS sponsored vaccination site. 

Vaccine Clinics:

There are no clinics available at this time. 

Individuals 65 years and older:   NYSDOH has designated Health Care Systems/Health Care Provider offices and pharmacies to vaccinate those 65 years and older. Patients in this age category whose doctor office is affiliated with URMC or Rochester Regional Health will be receiving a phone call directly from their doctor office or Health Care System in the next few weeks and will receive an appointment date for vaccination. 

Finger Lakes Community Health and Mosaic Health Rushville are also vaccinating 65 years and older.  

• Rite Aid Pharmacy
• Wegmans Pharmacy
• Kinney Drugs

Other websites to check for vaccination clinic information: 

NYS Sponsored Vaccination Clinics information 

Finger Lakes Health

Thompson Health

Schuyler Hospital 

New York State COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs 

Yates County Vaccination Clinic FAQs                

• Do I have to have an appointment to get vaccinated?
  • Yes, registration is required to receive the vaccine. If someone shows up without an appointment, they will not be vaccinated. 
• Why aren't there more appointment slots?
  • The number of appointment slots is based on how many doses of vaccine we have received from New York State. While we are requesting additional vaccine every week, we do not know how many vaccine doses we will end up receiving as there is a limited supply and every county in the State is also requesting vaccine.
• How will I find out when registration for more clinics becomes available? 
  • Each time we receive a shipment of vaccine from the State, we will open registration for additional clinics.  We will announce registration through our website and facebook page. 
• How can people without the internet get registered for a clinic?
  • People without internet access should reach out to our office by phone.
  • We are hoping family members and friends help those without the internet as well. 
• What do I need to bring to my appointment? 
  • Make sure you wear a short sleeve shirt that will allow vaccinators access to your upper arm
  • Bring your photo ID
  • Bring proof of eligibility to your appointment. This may include an employee ID card, a letter from an employer or affiliated organization, or a pay stub, depending on the specific priority status. 
  • If you are eligible due to age, you should bring a form of ID (drivers license or passport) that includes your date of birth 
• What are some other ways I can get vaccinated? 
  • People 65 and older can get vaccinate by their healthcare provider or pharmacists.  Currently, pharmacists and healthcare providers are only allowed to vaccinate people 65 and older.
  • People over the age of 75 who receive care through the VA can get vaccinated there. Please wait for the VA to reach out to you to schedule an appointment. 
• How will i know when vaccine eligibility is expanded?
  • You can stay tuned to local news, NYS's website, or our website or Facebook page.  
• Do I have to pay to get the vaccine? 
  • No, there is no cost or co-pay for the vaccine.
• How soon after getting vaccinated am I protected from COVID-19?
  • The COVID-19 vaccine, like all vaccines, does not instantly provide protection. It takes time for your immune system to respond to the vaccine and develop disease-fighting antibodies.  The two COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the US require two doses, about a month apart, for you to be protected from COVID-19.
• Can you tell more about the vaccines that are currently available in the US? 
  • Moderna
    • Second dose is required 28 days after your first dose
    • Found to be 94/1% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection starting 14 days after the second dose. 
  • Pfizer
    • Second dose is required 21 days after your first dose
    • Found to be 95% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection starting 7 days after the second dose.
• What should I expect after I get vaccinated?
  • You will need to wait for 15 minutes after you get your vaccine.  
  • Like all vaccines and other medications, there is a chance you might experience some symptoms after you get it.  There is a possibility that you might feel some fatigue or some pain or muscle soreness at the injection site - you could even have a fever. These are signs that the vaccine is working, and your immune system is responding to the vaccine and learning how to fight off the virus.  Mild pain relievers should help you feel better. If you don't feel better within two or three days, you should follow up with your doctor.