Rockland Coronavirus Update: Vaccine Efforts Paying Off

NEW CITY, NY — As Rockland County health officials take stock for National Public Health Week, they note 35,488 people have received two doses of coronavirus vaccine from the county's clinic or pop-up clinics around Rockland.

They are among the 67,818 Rocklanders who have been fully vaccinated, according to state data.

Almost half of Rockland's residents over 16 have been able to schedule a vaccine over the past three months — in total, from county, state and private sources in and out of Rockland, 108,632 residents have received a first dose, according to the New York vaccine tracker.

The outbreak hit Rockland hard. Since the pandemic began, 44,642 Rockland residents have tested positive for the coronavirus; 931 have died, eight of them just since March 30.

Currently, there are 53 people hospitalized in the county with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19.

The Rockland Department of Health administered its first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 5.

Health officials said running regular clinics has taken the support of nearly every employee in the department — for registration, temperature checks, flow control, giving the shots, providing COVID-19 education, watching patients for any adverse reactions, and ensuring a safe and healthy clinic environment.

In addition, many other county employees have worked on the project, County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert said in a news release

"As we prepare to conclude National Public Health Week, I must give credit to my incredible team here at the Department of Health and the staff from other county departments who have stepped up to assist us including the Department of Social Services, Law Department, Sheriff's Office, and Office for the Aging along with the contracted nurses and doctors who have the training and credentials to administer the vaccine," Ruppert said.

"In addition, we could not have accomplished so much without other county departments, such as Facilities and Information Technology Services, which have supported the ongoing efforts and have helped make significant improvements to the county's COVID-19 clinic," she said. "You have all done incredible work and should be proud of what we have accomplished together."

So far, more than 1,200 surveys were completed by people served by one of the clinics. Ruppert highlighted some of the positive feedback received from people getting a vaccine at the RCDOH clinic in Pomona:

• My experience was positive. All personnel were courteous, friendly, and helpful; explaining what I needed to do. The nurse I had explained and gently gave me the vaccination. I look forward to returning for round 2.
• It was very smooth and professional, but it was obvious that everyone cared deeply about what they were doing.
• Parking lot was packed, and the line was long, but I was amazed at how efficiently I moved through it. Well done and my compliments to everyone involved.
• The experience was extremely organized. I saw many workers walking around cleaning the vaccine observation area. They maintained social distancing and you always had someone directing you where to go.
• It was like something out of a movie. 5 stars. Would do again!
• I have been running COVID vaccination clinics myself, and we implemented the system used by the health department here in Rockland. Fast, efficient, and quality. Great job!!! Thank you!
• Great experience. Grateful to have gotten the vaccine in Rockland County by experienced and professional workers.
• Made a stressful situation very easy. Office for the Aging, Ed Day, health complex employees, and nurses, are to be praised.
• Absolutely wonderful! All the staff were so happy. I had one of the last appointments of their extremely long day, and they were all so kind and patient.

In a news release, county officials offered residents reminders of some ways to sign up for vaccine appointments, not including the state's mass vaccination site at Rockland Community Collegeafter increasingly pointed demands from county officials. SEE: Ed Day: Politics Not Population Affecting NY Vaccine Sites

To schedule a vaccination at the health department's clinic, regularly check the RCDOH COVID-19 website for new appointments (posted weekly) and possible cancellations. Learn more here about appointments at the RCDOH.

If you represent a non-profit agency, municipality, or faith-based organization and would like information on scheduling a presentation or a pop-up vaccination site, email the Rockland County COVID Call Center at COVIDCallCenter@co.rockland.ny.us or call 845-238-1956 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (except holidays).

If you are a Rockland County resident age 60 and older and you need help to make a vaccine appointment, sign up for the Senior COVID-19 Vaccine Waitlist by calling the Rockland County Office for the Aging at 845-364-2110, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (except holidays). Spanish and Creole speakers are available. Alternatively, senior residents can sign up online.