Liberty, NY – COVID-19 continues to be prevalent in NYS, with cases slowly increasing again, but the cases are not resulting in an increase in hospitalizations, notes Sullivan County Public Health Director Nancy McGraw.
“There have been no COVID-related hospitalizations in Sullivan County for several weeks now,” McGraw says. “Nevertheless, the Sullivan County Public Health Department recommends that local businesses and employers continue to follow COVID-19 safety precautions, including recommending indoor masking during meetings, events and gatherings, increased spacing where possible, and providing hand sanitizer.”
Several national and global research studies have indicated that those who became infected after being fully or partially vaccinated were more likely to have a milder and shorter illness compared to those who were unvaccinated.
“Vaccines and boosters continue to reduce a person’s risk of contracting the virus that causes COVID-19 and are highly effective against severe illness,” explains McGraw. “With a recent increase of Omicron sub-variant BA.2, COVID is still circulating. Vaccines are safe, effective and free, and continue to be our best protection against serious illness.”
Booster doses are free and widely available statewide, including at all State-run mass vaccination sites. Eligible New Yorkers may receive an mRNA vaccine - either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine - for their second booster shot. (A complete list of upcoming Public Health-run clinics is available at www.sullivanny.us/Departments/Publichealth/COVIDvaccines/clinics.)
Who is eligible for a second booster?
The New York State Department of Health recently released new clinical guidance on the administration of second booster doses (the “fourth” shot) for all providers enrolled in the New York State vaccination program.
- Adults 50 years and older at least four months after their first booster.
- Adults ages 18-49 years who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for their primary vaccine and initial booster dose now may receive a second booster four months after their first booster dose.
- Individuals 12 years and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
“We continue to recommend that all eligible adults, adolescents, and children five years and older get fully vaccinated and receive an initial and second COVID-19 booster when eligible,” states Dr. Bruce Ellsweig, Medical Director for the Sullivan County Department of Public Health.
Public Health and all New York State mass vaccination sites are administering second booster doses to eligible New Yorkers. To schedule an appointment at a State-run mass vaccination site, New Yorkers can call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX. People may also contact their pharmacy or healthcare provider to schedule appointments where vaccines are available.
New Yorkers can also visit vaccines.gov, text their ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby locations. Individuals should make sure providers are administering second booster doses when scheduling their appointments.