Ulster County Crosses 38,000 Vaccinated

LIBERTY – Public Health Director Nancy McGraw announced that, as of August 6, 2021, Sullivan County Public Health Services, community health care partners and area pharmacists have vaccinated 38,608 people against COVID-19 with at least one dose, and 35,050 have had a completed vaccine series. The year-round population is 75,498.

“We continue to do our part to push past this pandemic to encourage people to get vaccinated, which is even more critical as the Delta variant spreads,” McGraw stated. “I encourage everyone who might be hesitant or concerned to contact Public Health, their pharmacist or their own physician to get the facts about these safe and effective vaccines, so that we can ensure the safety and protection of everyone from the potentially serious health impacts of COVID-19 as soon as possible.”

“We’ve crossed the 62% threshold, which is great progress, but we want to get over that 70% threshold,” she added. “The goal is to get all of those who are eligible to be vaccinated and protected against this virus, especially the new, more contagious Delta variant. The science proves that vaccinated people are better protected.”

“I want to thank our staff and our collaborators for the outstanding job they’ve done to reach this point, because it has been a marathon. They’ve put in the hours, the effort and the compassion for their neighbors, friends and family, and I am forever grateful to have them on our team. To date, 57 homebound individuals have been vaccinated, and we are continuing to hold weekly clinics at our office.”

But the Battle Is Not Yet Won
With COVID-19 cases steadily increasing, Sullivan County Public Health Services and local school districts are urging families to take proper precautions and get vaccinated. For children ages 12-17 returning to school in just five weeks, now is the time to get them vaccinated to have full protective immunity before school starts.

“We have a chance to avoid returning to the rough days of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is going to take a Countywide effort of everyone doing their part. That means that every eligible person should get vaccinated,” said McGraw. “This free and simple effort will help us get one step closer to taking control of this pandemic.”

Public Health Services offers Pfizer doses (ages 12 and older) every Wednesday from 2-6 p.m. at its offices at 50 Community Lane in Liberty. Walk-in or register at www.sullivanny.us/Departments/Publichealth/COVIDvaccines/clinics

Other vaccination locations with current stock can be found at www.vaccines.gov, by texting your zip code to 438829 or by calling 1-800-232-0233.