What’s the new COVID shot And how do you find it?

LIBERTY, NY – Sullivan County Public Health wants to cut through any confusion regarding the latest COVID vaccine, which is now being rolled out.

“Most people can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free,” said director Karen Holden. “If you have health insurance, most plans will cover COVID-19 vaccines at no cost, although you may need to use an approved, in-network pharmacy or health care facility. Check with your insurance provider.

“If you don’t have health insurance, or have a health plan that does not cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines, you may still be able to get a free vaccine from pharmacies participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program,” she added. “But you’ll need to confirm that directly with the pharmacy.”

The updated vaccines were created to more closely target current strains of coronavirus. These vaccines significantly reduce the risk of developing severe COVID-19 complications and hospitalization, ultimately protecting against avoidable severe illness or death.

“Vaccination is especially important as we head into the fall and winter, a common time when COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases circulate in high volume across the country,” said Holden.

According to the CDC, it is safe and acceptable to receive multiple immunizations, such as the COVID-19 and flu vaccines, during the same vaccination appointment.

Where to find a COVID shot

It’s always best to check with your healthcare provider to see if they will be administering the COVID-19 vaccine, but if not, these pharmacies have confirmed to Public Health that they are offering or have ordered the COVID shot:

• K&K Pharmacy, Liberty, 845/292-3430
• The Medicine Shoppe, Liberty, 845/292-8200
• Walgreens, Liberty, 845/292-4114
• Walgreens, Monticello, 845/791-1301
• Rock Hill Pharmacy, Rock Hill, 845/791-1515
• Shoprite Pharmacy, Monticello, 845/794-0237
• Walmart Pharmacy, Monticello, 845/796-7200
Public Health itself is not currently offering or administering the vaccine, due to the need to bill (rather than offering it at no charge, as was made possible by federal and state authorities during the pandemic).
Dan Hust is the director of communications for Sullivan County.