Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Krista Baxter and Patrol Sergeant Dustin Smietana after receiving a dose of the Moderna vaccine last week. (Submitted photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY – The Chenango County Department of Public Health has administered 615 doses of Moderna vaccine as part of their coronavirus vaccination plan.

They began with the first eligible groups of New Yorkers, including those groups described in 1A and 1B in the phased distribution of the vaccine from the New York State Health Department.

The 1A group included doctors, nurses, and forward-facing medical workers.

The 1B group included law enforcement, fire personnel, EMS, several adult care facilities and one OPWDD facility. On Monday January 25 there was a clinic for age 65 plus held at the Broad Street Methodist Church for the remaining 220 doses in the 1B group.

The Health Department also collaborated with Bartle’s Pharmacy in Oxford NY to distribute an additional 250 doses of vaccine to the age 65 plus group.

Bartle’s Pharmacy and the Chenango County Health Department utilized a first come first serve waiting list to notify those that were eligible that the clinics were taking place. It is of utmost importance to remain fair and equitable with the distribution of vaccines. Vaccine supply is very limited and must be administered to patients within 7 days.

- Submitted by the Chenango County Department of Public Health