Putnam To Hold Vaccine Clinic For Those Age 12+

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — The Putnam County Department of Health has scheduled a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for 1-4 p.m. Tuesday at the Philipstown Recreation Center in Garrison.

The Pfizer vaccine will be available for those age 12 and older who live, work, or attend school in New York State.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be available for those 18 and older who live, work, or attend school in New York State.

Walk-ins are welcome. Save time by registering in advance here.

Additionally, a clinic at Lakeview Plaza in Brewster is scheduled for Thursday. Appointment links are always shared on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @PutnamHealthNY and at www.putnamcountyny.com/covid-19-vaccine-information.

As of May 21, 67.5 percent of Putnam residents age 18 and up have received at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine, according to the latest state data.

“I want to say ‘Thank you’ to the people of Putnam County,” County Executive MaryEllen Odell said after state officials announced that everyone who is fully vaccinated can remove their masks in public settings, and that restaurants, gyms and other businesses can be open to full capacity for customers who are vaccinated.

"All your hard work – the isolation, the closures, the social distancing, the great care we took to protect others from getting sick – it all paid off and we did it," she said in a statement. "It’s been a very long road, but now we’re back."

Odell said that Putnam County employees who are vaccinated can return to work unmasked. Those who have not yet been vaccinated must be respectful and protect themselves and other unvaccinated people by wearing a mask. Anyone who is exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19 must still isolate themselves and present proof of a negative Covid-19 test before returning to work.

The County Clerk's Office will continue requiring appointments for in-person visits, Putnam County Clerk Michael C. Bartolotti said. "The appointment system implemented during the pandemic greatly improved our customer experience when visiting our offices. Given the success of the appointment system, we have decided to keep it in place for the foreseeable future."

The county’s senior centers in Carmel, Mahopac, Putnam Valley and Philipstown will reopen Monday.

“Since we closed last March, the first question we’ve heard from every senior is ‘When are you opening up again?’” Michael Cunningham, Director of the Office of Senior Resources said. "And as much as our seniors have missed coming here, our staff has missed seeing them. We are all looking forward to welcoming them back on Monday when we reopen.”

Cunningham estimated that more than 90 percent of the seniors who regularly use the centers have been vaccinated.

Odell reiterated that the lifting of mask restrictions is only for the fully vaccinated.

“There are plenty of vaccinations available,” she said. “The county Department of Health is holding clinics frequently, now you can even just walk in without an appointment. Pharmacies have them, doctor’s offices have them. The vaccines are safe and effective. It’s only because of vaccines that our life is getting back to normal. I urge everyone to get vaccinated as quickly as possible."

The coronavirus test positivity rate has dropped throughout the Hudson Valley, and is lowest in Putnam County.

For more information on vaccination clinics, see putnamcountyny.com/covid-19-vaccine-information