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Schenectady County Ranks FIRST In New York State for COVID-19 Vaccinations

Over 74% of County Residents 18+ Have Received At Least One Dose, New Student Pfizer POD at SUNY Schenectady on May 28

May 24, 2021

Schenectady, N.Y. — According to New York State’s Vaccine Tracker website,¹ Schenectady County currently ranks first in New York State for the percentage of county residents 18+ who have received at least one vaccination dose, at 74.6%. The overall percentage of New Yorkers 18+ who have received one COVID-19 dose is 63.7%.

Schenectady County has administered over 15,300 first-dose COVID-19 vaccines since December of 2020.

“Schenectady County leads the way in COVID-19 vaccination – we now have the highest rate of adult vaccination of any county in New York State,” said Schenectady County Legislator Sara Mae Pratt, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Health & Human Services. “This is exciting news for our community and we want to thank our dedicated public health staff and volunteers for all of their efforts, as well as the residents of Schenectady County who took the steps necessary to get vaccinated to help keep our friends, family and neighbors safe and healthy.”

Pratt noted that while the County is proud to reach this milestone, there is still work to do, and the County will continue its efforts to make the vaccine easily accessible to all who want it.

“While we are proud of this accomplishment, our work is not over,” added Legislator Pratt. “Over the last few months we’ve learned that people are much more likely to get vaccinated if doses are available in locations they are familiar and comfortable with. Our public health outreach team is building on this success by increasing access to the vaccine throughout the County so we can reach as many residents as possible.”

To increase accessibility, Schenectady County offers vaccine PODs in many locations at various times of the day.

School PODs
Schenectady County is holding a series of Pfizer vaccination PODs at high school gymnasiums throughout the County for students and parents, and anyone else who is eligible. Appointments are available at www.schenectadycounty.com/COVID19/vaccine.

For individuals younger than the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent for vaccination, either verbally while accompanying the minor to the vaccination appointment, or by phone at the time of the vaccination appointment. If the minor is 12-15 years old, they must arrive with a parent or guardian OR they need to bring another adult caregiver who has a signed designation from the parent or guardian and the parent/guardian must be available by phone.  Schenectady County held Pfizer PODs at Mohonasen, Niskayuna, Schalmont, and Scotia-Glenville high schools in May. During these PODs over 700 first dose vaccines were administered.

Schenectady High School Gymnasium
Wednesday, May 26, 2021, 1-5pm
SUNY Schenectady Elston Hall – NEW
Friday, May 28, 2021, 9-4pm
Duanesburg High School Gymnasium
Thursday, June 3, 2021, 12-4pm

Pop-Up Trolley PODs
Schenectady County has partnered with MVP Health Care and CDTA to bring free one-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines to communities throughout the County over the next two months. No appointments needed – just show up! Every community member who gets a vaccine during these PODs will receive a voucher for a free scoop of ice cream from Stewart’s Shops while supplies last and be entered to win a $500 Visa gift card.

Tuesday, May 25
3-7pm
Steinmetz Apartments (at Family Investment Center)
118 Henry Street
Thursday, May 27
3-7pm
Islamic Center of Schenectady
89 N. Brandywine Ave.

May and June Community PODs
Schenectady County is holding regular free COVID-19 vaccine PODs 4-days a week in May and June for New Yorkers 18 years of age or older. All PODs are open to walk-ins – no appointment needed.

Mondays:
5-7pm
SUNY Schenectady – Elston Hall
78 Washington Ave, 12305
Wednesdays:
9-11am
SUNY Schenectady – Elston Hall
78 Washington Ave, 12305
Saturdays:
12-4pm
Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady – Adeline Wright Graham Clubhouse
104 Education Drive, 12304
Sundays:
10-2pm (during Schenectady Greenmarket)
Hon. Karen B. Johnson (Central) Library
Outside on Corner of Clinton and Liberty Streets, 12305

Schenectady County Delivers Vaccine Program
Schenectady County residents for whom childcare or other concerns have created a significant barrier to getting vaccinated may be able to receive COVID-19 vaccines through the Schenectady County Delivers vaccine program. Residents who are interested in this program should call (518) 836-2400, Monday – Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Residents can also leave a message with their name and contact information, and someone will call them back. The program prioritizes individuals who are homebound for medical reasons. Staff will work with residents to address other accessibility challenges as staffing and logistical capacity allow.

Vaccine Eligibility
Current eligibility by vaccine manufacturer:
Moderna vaccines – 18+
Pfizer vaccines – 12+
Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccines – 18+

¹Vaccine data as of 11am on 5/24/2021

Contact:
Erin M. Roberts
Director of Public Communications
Schenectady County
(518) 388-4772
(518) 723-0570 (cell)

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