COVID-19 VACCINE AVAILABILITY

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New York State (NYS) has directed all local health departments (LHDs) to continue prioritization in vaccinating the essential worker population in Phase 1b and residents and staff of congregate settings operated or certified by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Eligible essential workers in Phase 1b include police officers, firefighters, teachers, college professors, and grocery workers, restaurant employees, restaurant delivery workers, and for-hire vehicle drivers among others who live or work in NYS.

In addition, LHDs will be vaccinating individuals with qualifying comorbidities and underlying health conditions.

  • The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) encourages eligible individuals to sign up for appointments wherever they are available.
  • As per the Governor’s Executive Order 202.91, pharmacies, physician networks, and practice groups are primarily responsible for vaccinating the senior population. The Rockland County Health Department must follow the Governor’s Executive Order and the New York State guidelines on whom we can vaccinate. Vaccinations performed by local pharmacies, physician networks, and practice groups must be made directly through those providers. Hospitals will be open to all populations eligible for vaccination, prioritizing all Phase 1a individuals who are not employed at the hospital, and residents and staff of congregate settings operated or certified by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), then individuals age 65 and older. All individuals eligible under the NYS guidelines can schedule an appointment at any NYS-operated mass vaccination site.
  • Rockland residents age 65+ can sign up to the Senior COVID-19 Vaccine Waitlist by calling the Rockland County Office for the Aging at 845-364-2110, Monday through Friday (except holidays), 8:00 am through 5:00 pm. Spanish and Creole speakers are available. In addition, residents can sign up online http://rcklnd.us/c19-waitlist.
  • The state’s Am I Eligible webpage will provide you with a list of New York State run vaccination sites. If you do not have access to a computer, eligible New Yorkers can call to schedule a vaccination appointment at a state-run site by calling the New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline 1-833-697-4829. Vaccinations performed by local pharmacies and physician networks or practice groups must be made through those providers directly.

APPOINTMENT AT THE RCDOH

  • Complete the NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Form and bring it with you.
  • If you are a Phase 1b essential employee who works in New York State you must bring proof of employment to your appointment such as an employee ID card, a letter from your employer or affiliated organization, a recent pay stub, etc.
  • If you are a Phase 1b essential employee who lives in New York State but works out of state, you must bring proof of residency to your appointment such as a New York State driver’s license or proof of New York State residency in addition to the proof of employment listed above. If you have Medicare, please bring your card with you. The vaccine is free however, the Health Department can collect an administrative fee from Medicare. There is no copay or co-insurance required.
  • If you are an individual with at least one qualifying comorbidity or underlying health conditions, you must bring proof of residency to your appointment such as a New York State driver’s license or proof of New York State residency. In addition you must provide either:
    • Doctor’s Letter, or
    • Medical Information Evidencing Comorbidity, or
    • Signed Certification/Attestation
  • Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes before your appointment.
  • If you are in COVID-19 quarantine or isolation on the date of your appointment, DO NOT COME FOR THE VACCINE. Please call the Rockland County COVID-19 Call Center at 845-238-1956 Monday-Friday (except holidays) from 8:00 am-5:00 pm or email COVIDCallCenter@co.rockland.ny.us. Your appointment will be canceled and your name placed on a list for future vaccine administration.
  • Wear a face mask (at least two to three layers) that covers your nose, mouth, and chin. You will not be allowed to enter the building without a face mask.
  • Wherever you receive your first dose of vaccine, you must return to that location for your second dose. You will make your appointment to receive your second dose when you receive your first dose.