Vaccines will be available, starting Tuesday Jan. 5, to those who fit NYS criteria
Nassau County, NY - Nassau County Executive Laura Curran was joined by Northwell Health CEO Michael Dowling on Monday to announce a partnership between the County, Northwell Health and New York State to open a COVID-19 vaccine distribution center at Nassau Community College (NCC). The vaccines will be distributed by Nassau County Department of Health staff, Members of Nassau County’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) with assistance from Northwell Health, which has been designated by New York State as Long Island’s vaccination HUB. The center will operate in NCC’s CCB building and will begin vaccinations on Tuesday, January 5, for residents who meet the criteria set forth by New York State. Appointments are required.
“We are ready, set, go with the County’s first vaccination center. This is the beginning of our local effort to join New York State and Nassau’s hospital networks to roll out the vaccine,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “Our go-to team at the center will be led by Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Larry Eisenstein, Department of Health staff, the Medical Reserve Corps and Northwell Health. We have the first one hundred medical personnel signed up for Tuesday and we have opened registration for Wednesday. I am calling on all emergency and first responders who qualify to sign up immediately. This is how Nassau County can lead the way to a healthy New Year with our schools and businesses open. We can do it, Nassau!”
"As coordinator of the Long Island hub of the state’s Regional Vaccine Network, Northwell Health is working closely with Nassau County to set up vaccination sites at various locations throughout the county,” said Northwell Health President & CEO Michael Dowling. “Our goal is to distribute the vaccine safely, equitably and as quickly as possible, but because supply is limited, we encourage everyone to be patient. As part of this effort and at Governor Cuomo's request, we have also convened a Health Equity Task that will be working with local clinicians and community leaders to ensure the vaccine is reaching people in areas where there is a history of health disparities and a high prevalence of chronic diseases that have made them more vulnerable to COVID-19."
“The Majority looks forward to the ramp up of vaccine distribution to help Nassau residents continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Presiding Officer of Nassau County Legislature Richard Nicolello.
“Today’s announcement represents an important milestone in our efforts to efficiently administer the COVID-19 vaccine. I stand behind County Executive Curran, the Department of Health, and Northwell Health in their efforts to ensure this vaccine is available for all residents as soon as possible,” said Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, ranking member of the Legislature’s Health & Social Services Committee. “In the meantime, I urge residents to wear their masks, practice social distancing, avoid crowds and frequently wash their hands so that we can persevere through the winter and win this battle once and for all.”
“We are honored to host Nassau County’s first Vaccination Distribution Center at Nassau Community College. From the onset of the pandemic we have been focused on maintaining the health and safety of our community, instituting mandatory safety protocols and procedures including daily screenings, surveillance testing, mask wearing, and social distancing. As the State University of New York’s (SUNY) largest single campus community college, we are focused on supporting the needs of our students, faculty, and staff as well as our community residents. We are grateful for our NCC employees, the County, Northwell Health, and all involved in establishing this distribution center,” said Dr. Jermaine F. Williams, President, Nassau Community College.
“County Executive Laura Curran called on me to be prepared for vaccine distribution. I am proud to say we are ready to roll out our program. I want to thank New York State, Northwell, Nassau Community College, my dedicated staff and the Medical Reserve Corps for making this effort possible,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein.
Residents can check their eligibility to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the list below. Those who are eligible must make an appointment. Only those who meet the criteria can make an appointment at this time. Appointments must be made online at: www.nassaucountyny.gov/vaccine. The vaccine will be provided for free regardless of insurance or immigration status.
As of Monday, January 4, the following residents meet the criteria to the vaccine as per the New York State prioritization guidance:
- High-risk hospital staff, affiliates, volunteers and contract staff including State-operated Office of Mental Health (OMH) psychiatric centers.
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Personnel.
- Medical Examiners and Coroners.
- Funeral workers who have direct contact with infectious material and bodily fluids.
- Health care, other high-risk direct care essential staff and agency staff working in Long Term Care Facilities and long-term, congregate settings overseen by Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).
- Residents living in Long Term Care Facilities and in long-term congregate settings overseen by OPWDD, OMH and OASAS.
- FQHC staff.
- Urgent Care providers.
- Any staff administering COVID-19 vaccinations.
- All Outpatient/Ambulatory front line, high risk health care providers who provide direct in-person patient care or other staff in a position where they have direct contact with patients, such as receptionists, of any age.
New York State continues to expand the criteria for who can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. For regular updates on who is currently eligible for the vaccine under New York State’s guidance, residents can visit the County’s vaccine website at www.www.nassaucountyny.gov/vaccine.