KINGSTON, N.Y. – Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan announced that the Ulster County Department of Health will run two COVID-19 vaccination points of dispensing (PODs) next week, ahead of the Thanksgiving and Hanukkah holidays. On Monday, November 22nd, a vaccination POD will be held from 11a-7p, at which first, second, additional, and booster doses of the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccines will be administered. On Tuesday, November 23rd, a pediatric vaccination POD will be held from 3-7p to administer pediatric doses of the Pfizer vaccine to 5-11-year-olds.
“If you look at what happened last year between mid-November and early December 2020, we saw a 378% increase in active cases. We’re at a similar moment now in 2021, where we’re starting to see a slow build of another possible wave. The decisions we make and the precautions we take in the next week or two really will be determinative of whether we have another big spike or whether we can keep things at a relative plateau,” said Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan. “Our goal is to not repeat what happened last year during the winter. Our Ulster County Department of Health has administered 5,676 booster doses as of today, and I encourage all residents who are eligible, which is basically anyone over the age of 18 who completed the vaccine series at least six months ago, to get the COVID-19 booster. On Wednesday, November 17th, the team at our POD will be administering a COVID-19 booster dose to me.”
To date, approximately 120,500 Ulster County residents have completed the vaccine series, and the CDC recommends boosters for almost everyone.
Pfizer and Moderna boosters are recommended for people who received a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago and are:
- Age 65 and older
- Age 18 and older who live in a long-term care setting
- Age 18 and older who have underlying medical conditions(link is external)
- Age 18 and older who work or live in high-risk settings (This group includes anyone who works within 6 feet of other people, whether paid or volunteer.)
A Johnson & Johnson/Janssen booster is recommended for anyone 18 and older who is two or more months from having received the vaccine.
Some research indicates that an mRNA vaccine booster (Pfizer and Moderna) may benefit those who received a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine. It is recommended that people who received a Pfizer or Moderna series receive a booster of the same vaccine. However, if the same vaccine is not available or if a different COVID-19 vaccine is desired, any FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine can be used for the booster dose, according to the FDA and CDC. Consult with your doctor to determine the best option for COVID-19 booster for you.
Booster appointments are recommended for the County’s vaccination PODs; walk-ins will be accommodated as capacity allows.
Appointments for the County’s pediatric PODs are required, and patients must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
The Ulster County Department of Health is still accepting volunteers to help with the County’s vaccination efforts, particularly medical volunteers to be vaccinators and screeners. Vaccinators need both an active license and a current CPR certificate or can be basic and advanced EMTs with a current CPR certificate. Screeners create the record of vaccination for each patient, so should be computer literate, have attention to detail, and have good customer service and communication skills. Both of these medical volunteers will receive a stipend. Sign up to volunteer at https://covid19.ulstercountyny.gov/vaccine-volunteer/.
Sign up for an appointment at VaccinateUlster.com.