NORWICH — With more people getting vaccinated, COVID-19 restrictions are gradually lifting but some residents are reluctant about getting the jab.
There are currently three vaccines recommended by the CDC against COVID-19 and available for public use: Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson. Recently, the CDC and state government stated that vaccinated residents do not have to wear masks outdoors, so long as they are not in large groups.
Chenango County Department of Health Public Information Officer Isaiah Sutton is encouraging residents to wear masks when in large groups because they may not know the vaccination status of others around them. He said about 40 percent of Chenango County is currently vaccinated.
“We still encourage folks when they’re within six feet in certain highly populated settings- concerts, events, parties, especially if the vaccination status of those around you are unknown, we strongly encourage you to continue to wear a mask,” he said.
For NY residents still unsure about the vaccine, Sutton suggests they educate themselves with information from reputable resources.
Sutton said unvaccinated residents would be restricted and would not be able to attend public summer events.
“Anybody looking to attend a local event this summer is going to require a vaccination or a current test,” said Sutton. “The easiest way to do that, the freest way to do that, is to get vaccinated.
“If you want to go to Bluesfest this is the easiest way to do it,” Sutton added.
The NY Health Department, the Chenango County website, the CDC website, and southerntiervax.org are all good options for information, Sutton said.
“The COVID vaccine is built on the back of decades of good science,” he said. “So they were able to bring this to market very quickly because of work they’ve done for decades. They didn’t start from scratch.”
For those who want the COVID vaccine but are unsure of how to get it, the ‘Am I Eligible?’ app or website is a good place to start. The website lists all state-run locations where vaccines are currently being administered.
The ‘Am I Eligible?’ website currently lists 28 locations where you can get a vaccine. They are open to the public and accepting walk-ins.
The Chenango County area has also set up several vaccination sites. According to Sutton, vaccines are available at Bartle’s Pharmacy in Oxford, Chenango Memorial Hospital, the DOH vaccination site in the South Plaza of Norwich, local pharmacies, traveling clinics, and possibly primary care providers.
Sutton also stated those who need assistance making an appointment can reach out to the Chenango County DOH.
Residents with vaccine questions or concerns, or need help setting up a vaccination appointment, may call the DOH offices at 607-337-1660. You can also email the county DOH at COVID19@co.chenango.ny.us.
Residents requiring transportation assistance for their appointment can call the Getthere program hotline at 855-373-4040, or email them at getthere@rhnscny.org.
“They’re welcome to call me, I’ll register them personally. Our office is happy to do that,” said Sutton. “If anybody has any question about vaccine safety, vaccine availability, or any other reason they may be hesitant about the vaccine, a member of our team would be happy to chat with them about that or point them in the right direction of good information.”
He also confirmed there have been a few incidences of re-infection. This means some have contracted COVID-19, recovered, and at a later time contracted the virus a second time.
“Right now conventional science says that a person who’s been positive has about ninety days of natural immunity after the positive. After that the risk of re-infection goes up,” Sutton explained.
The COVID-19 vaccine is also far more effective than most vaccines for other diseases, according to Sutton. He claims the flu vaccine is not as effective as the COVID vaccines, and that the COVID vaccines are at least 90 percent effective at preventing the virus.
The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require two doses to be effective. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine only needs one. Sutton said this is because the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are mRNA vaccines, which means they work on a cellular level and recode for antibodies against the virus. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine however, is more similar to traditional vaccines.
“The science says after your dose you’d probably start to develop some amount of immunity very quickly. We consider you fully vaccinated after that final dose,” said Sutton.
Currently, according to the NYS Vaccine Tracker, 40.2 percent of the Chenango County population is vaccinated against COVID-19. However, Sutton states it is important to remember that is 40.2 percent of the eligible population.
“I’ve been telling folks, that’s 40.2 percent of the eligible population. So 20 percent of the population is under 18, and they’re not eligible. So that really boosts that number up a bit,” said Sutton.
Based on these percentages, the NYS Vaccine Tracker states that at this time, 19,101 Chenango County residents have been vaccinated with at least one dose, and 14,827 residents have received two doses.
On Thursday May 6 the DOH will be offering 100 doses of the Moderna vaccine in McDonough. This round of shots would be the initial dosage, with second doses administered on June 3 at the same location. Those interested can register for vaccination on the DOH website.
Sutton also would like to remind residents that all COVID vaccines are free. Some DOH partners will bill insurance, but there will be no out-of-pocket cost to the vaccine recipient.
If you are ready to get the COVID-19 vaccine, Sutton has one recommendation:
“The one you can get today. That’s the one I recommend.”