B.J. Tomsic administers Chenango County's first dose of the Moderna COVID vaccine at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital on December 22. Ten doses it contained went to medical providers, ICU nurses, Emergency Department staff, lab personnel and other frontline hospital staff. (Sun photo)

CHENANGO – At a number of locations around that state vaccines are being made available for those 65 and older, yet some who are prioritized first are still waiting in rural areas.

On Thursday the Chenango County Health Department stated, “We are not taking appointments at this time. We ask that you please remain patient. Our office has just begun to receive vaccine through the NYS distribution system. Due to supply restrictions, it may take some time to get everyone vaccinated. Based on our current allotments, it could be weeks or even months before we are given enough vaccine for all the 1A and 1B individuals.”

To learn more about the phases visit www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccine-eligibility.page.

“Resources in rural areas is always a challenge. We will continue to work diligently for our folks here,” said Chenango County Public Health Spokesman Isaiah Sutton.

Chairman of the Chenango County Supervisors George Seneck said the county health department had done an exceptional job in difficult circumstances. He said the process was controlled by the state and federal government and counties had to do the best they could with what they were given.

“I really must emphasize the outstanding work of our health department, we will be keeping the public informed as often as we can going forward. That's one of the best things we can do,” he said.

Officials have urged those in need who are a top priority in the 1A group to travel to these sites to get vaccinated because deliveries to Chenango could take some time.

Sutton said the county was being allocated about 100 vaccines a week and so far the health department had issued about 300 vaccines to those in the 1A group.

“We have vaccinated our clinical team and front facing staff and we got out and did some adult homes,” he said. Sutton said the homes included elderly care facilities and homes for the disabled, both prioritized by New York State. He said more are needed.

“We are going to be requesting additional vaccines. The state opening dispensing sites around the state, makes it harder for us to get them,” he said.

“We are doing the best we can to get them to Chenango County. Those folks who can travel to these sites can – you should get it whereever you can,” he said. Sutton explained that where ever someone gets their first dose of the vaccine they will have to return and get the second.

Reservations opened at 8 a.m. this morning for the mass vaccination site at Binghamton University. This is the first opportunity in our region for many who qualify in Phase 1B (whether or not they are 65 and older) to receive the vaccine.

Reservations can be made for that site and other mass vaccination sites across New York online at https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/. These sites will serve anyone eligible for Phase 1A and 1B.

The health department also stated, “We have started an email waiting list for those in Phase 1A and 1B that live or work in Chenango County. For now, please reach out to your own local health department if you do not reside or work in Chenango. You may send your name, address, phone number and reason for eligibility (such as age) to COVID19@co.chenango.ny.us to get on the email waiting list. Please do not call the office looking for an appointment.”

“We have strict guidance that we must follow to target specific groups listed in phase 1A first. As per the governor’s guidance we must vaccinate the priority groups listed in phase 1A and 1B. The governor ensures us that there will be more places opening up soon to get the vaccine for those in the current priority groups.”

“We are hopeful that everyone who wants a vaccine will be able to get one. Please remain patient. Thank you.”