TOMPKINS COUNTY, N.Y.—Tompkins County is close, but it needs a significant push to get to herd immunity. The vaccine rate has stagnated after reaching 60 percent in early May, and now sits at 64.9 percent of all residents and 72.9 percent of all adults.
While the latter is encouraging, the number that matters is the percentage of all residents who are vaccinated, which needs to be 75 percent to achieve herd immunity, according to Public Health Director Frank Kruppa. While only one of the available vaccines has been approved for use by people under the age of 18, the Tompkins County Health Department has continued to expand its appeal for people to receive the vaccine by changing the locales of its clinics, with more new ones announced Tuesday.
They are as follows, though some have different registration and eligibility criteria than others so pay attention to details:
Ithaca City School District
- Tuesday, May 25 and Thursday, May 27
- 12-18 years old
- Pfizer vaccine (first dose)
- Registration link was shared by the school district
Shops at Ithaca Mall – Old Sears (40 Catherwood Rd.)
- Wednesday, May 26 from 8:00am – 3:30pm
- 18 years and older
- J&J vaccine
- Call 211 (1-877-211-8667) during business hours, 8:30AM – 5:00PM for transportation options.
- Walk-ins welcome no appointment necessary
Green Street Bus Stop (131 E Green St.)
- Thursday, May 27 and Friday, May 28 from 10:00am – 2:00pm
- 18 years and older
- J&J vaccine
- Call 211 (1-877-211-8667) during business hours, 8:30AM – 5:00PM for transportation options.
- Walk-in appointments
Taughannock State Park (1740 Taughannock Blvd.)
- Saturday, May 29-Monday, May 31 from 9:00am – 12:00pm
- 18 years and older
- J&J vaccine
- Call 211 (1-877-211-8667) during business hours, 8:30AM – 5:00PM for transportation options.
- Walk-ins welcome no appointment necessary
“We have vaccine widely available in our community and our goal is to make it accessible and convenient for anyone who is eligible and wants to get vaccinated,” said Public Health Director Frank Kruppa. “The vaccines are safe and effective, and now, very available. There are multiple options for how to get vaccinated here in Tompkins County.”
From the health department:
Tompkins County Health Department, in partnership with Cayuga Health System and local school districts, is offering the following clinics. For minors under 18, a parent or guardian is required to identify the minor and provide consent.
Information about local clinics can be found on the TCHD website.
Individuals without computer and/or internet access may also call 2-1-1 (877-211-8667) during regular business hours 8:30am-5:00pm to be registered over the phone.
NYS State-run Vaccination Sites are offering vaccine to all eligible age groups. Appointments can be scheduled on the NYS Department of Health website. Local pharmacies and medical offices may have vaccine available.