The Peru Gazette

New York State plan provides guidance, structure to vaccination effort

PLATTSBURGH, NY (01/06/2021) – The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine to the North Country has generated excitement, anticipation and relief with many in the community eager to roll up their sleeves to be vaccinated. Vaccination of high risk groups, in accordance with the New York State Department of Health’s Vaccine Administration Plan, is underway while local health officials prepare for the next phase of distribution.

“The state’s plan takes a data driven approach to assuring those at the highest risk of transmitting or becoming infected with COVID-19 receive vaccine first. It’s a very prescriptive plan and of course supply dependent,” explained Wouter Rietsema, vice president of population health and information services at the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH). “It’s a huge undertaking and one that will require patience as we await supply and guidance for even broader distribution.”

CVPH received its first batch of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in mid-December with a directive from the state to vaccinate its highest risk health care workers and set aside a portion of vaccine for other facilities to do the same.

On December 22, Alice Hyde Medical Center COVID-19 received 600 doses of Moderna vaccine and in accordance with New York’s prioritization and allocation framework, began vaccinating its employees and employees of community organizations framework.

Hospitals are following guidelines developed by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and specific directives from DOH for distributing the vaccine. Rietsema explained that maintaining health and safety at health care organizations requires a vaccination effort broader than just patient-facing employees. “For the purposes of this effort, all high risk hospital workers are included in the first phase,” he said.

“The state’s plan has designated tiers and subsets within those tiers. Currently, we are in Tier 1a. Across the country, there are 21 million health care workers, and 3 million long term care residents included in that tier. Vaccine supply is still limited so the state is opening up access to healthcare workers in Tier 1a in a phased approach. As different sectors are added they are afforded the opportunity to schedule vaccination at hospital-operated vaccination clinics. To date, those sectors have included hospitals, high risk residential treatment facilities and EMS. This week additional high risk outpatient healthcare providers have had the opportunity to schedule. As the supply increases, more subsets will be included in the active vaccination phase,” he explained.

Preparing for Public Distribution

Hospitals have initially assumed a pivotal role in the vaccination effort but with an increase in supply, the baton will be handed to local health departments. They will enact their plans to vaccinate essential workers and those designed as increased risk of severe COVID-19. “As the supply of vaccine becomes more plentiful, it will be pushed out to local health departments and pharmacies. Right now, there is no way of knowing when that will be,” Rietsema said. “The local health departments are experts at this – educating and vaccinating the public. They have a proven track record,” he added using influenza vaccination efforts as an example.

“The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) appreciates the community’s enthusiasm for wide-spread vaccination in the North Country,” stated John Kanoza, Director of Public Health in Clinton County. “Working with our partners at CVPH, CCHD is ready to begin our distribution plans for future tiers and phases as soon as more vaccine becomes available. Vaccine distribution of this size is complicated. We ask for your patience. As more vaccine becomes available, CCHD will continue to let you know who New York State has prioritized to receive it, and how they can get vaccinated. While you wait and even after you get vaccine, please continue to practice prevention methods,” Kanoza urged.

“Wear a mask that goes over your nose and mouth. Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others. Avoid crowds and gatherings. Wash your hands often or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Stay home when you are sick. Reduce contact and the length of time you spend with those who do not live in your household,” the county health official offered.

“Even after receiving vaccine, people will have to continue wearing masks and social distancing until we have evidence that the vaccine not only protects us from disease but also from asymptomatic infection and spread,” noted Kanoza.

Launched earlier this week, a New York State app, “Am I Eligible,” can help determine eligibility for the vaccine and connect New Yorkers with administration centers. To access the app visit https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.

As the state-designated Northern New York Hub for vaccination, CVPH will assume a supporting role in the regional effort. “We are partnering with the local experts in seven counties to support the equitable, efficient and safe vaccination of essential workers and prioritized members of the public in a manner that is meaningful to each community and is aligned with the state’s plan,” Rietsema said.