NEW CITY, NY, – The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) administered its first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on January 5, 2021. Since then, over 35,448 first and second doses have been administered at the Rockland County Department of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic in Pomona, NY, and several pop-up locations in high-need communities in Rockland.
To run regular clinics has taken the support of nearly all health department employees who assist with registration, temperature checks, flow control, giving the shots, providing COVID-19 education, watching patients for any adverse reactions, and ensuring a safe and healthy clinic environment.
“As we prepare to conclude National Public Health Week, I must give credit to my incredible team here at the Department of Health and the staff from other county departments who have stepped up to assist us including the Department of Social Services (DSS), Law Department, Sheriff’s Office, and Office for the Aging (OFA) along with the contracted nurses and doctors who have the training and credentials to administer the vaccine. In addition, we could not have accomplished so much without other county departments, such as Facilities and Information Technology Services (ITS), which have supported the ongoing efforts and have helped make significant improvements to the county’s COVID-19 clinic. You have all done incredible work and should be proud of what we have accomplished together,” said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.
The RCDOH asked patients to complete a brief survey in the post-vaccine observation area about their experience at the clinic. Over 1,200 surveys were completed. Everyone who came to our clinics rated their overall experience highly, and nearly everyone would recommend this clinic to their friends, colleagues, or family members. Here is some of the positive feedback we received from people getting a COVID-19 vaccine at the RCDOH clinic in Pomona:
- My experience was positive. All personnel were courteous, friendly, and helpful; explaining what I needed to do. The nurse I had explained and gently gave me the vaccination. I look forward to returning for round 2.
- It was very smooth and professional, but it was obvious that everyone cared deeply about what they were doing.
- Parking lot was packed, and the line was long, but I was amazed at how efficiently I moved through it. Well done and my compliments to everyone involved.
- The experience was extremely organized. I saw many workers walking around cleaning the vaccine observation area. They maintained social distancing and you always had someone directing you where to go.
- It was like something out of a movie. 5 stars. Would do again!
- I have been running COVID vaccination clinics myself, and we implemented the system used by the health department here in Rockland. Fast, efficient, and quality. Great job!!! Thank you!
- Great experience. Grateful to have gotten the vaccine in Rockland County by experienced and professional workers.
- Made a stressful situation very easy. Office for the Aging, Ed Day, health complex employees, and nurses, are to be praised.
- Absolutely wonderful! All the staff were so happy. I had one of the last appointments of their extremely long day, and they were all so kind and patient.
“Thank you to the Department of Health and the numerous other County Departments which have supported these incredible efforts. Your hard work has clearly paid off for our residents who struggled through the early stages of the New York State vaccination process. Despite these obstacles you have helped so many get vaccinated; truly fulfilling the mission of public health. I urge all our eligible residents to check regularly for open appointments and to get vaccinated like I did,” said Rockland County Executive Ed Day.
To schedule your COVID-19 vaccination at the RCDOH, regularly check the RCDOH COVID-19 website for new appointments posted weekly and possible cancellations. For more information about appointments at the RCDOH, visit http://rcklnd.us/covid19. For up-to-date information, follow/like us at https://www.facebook.com/rockhealth or https://twitter.com/rockhealth.
If you represent a non-profit agency, municipality, or faith-based organization and would like more information on scheduling a presentation or a pop-up vaccination site, please email the Rockland County COVID Call Center at COVIDCallCenter@co.rockland.ny.us or call 845-238-1956 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday (except holidays).
If you are a Rockland County resident aged 60+ and need assistance making a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, sign up for 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 – 5:00 pm. Spanish and Creole speakers are available. In addition, residents can sign up online at http://rcklnd.us/c19-waitlist.