(ITHACA, NY, March 7, 2024) – Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is sharing with the community recent updates regarding COVID-19 vaccine schedule for older adults (ages 65 and above). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends people ages 65 years and older should receive 1 additional dose of any updated (2023–2024 Formula) COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., Moderna, Novavax, Pfizer-BioNTech) at least 4 months following their previous dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
TCWH is also reminding the community about COVID-19 recommendations for people who are immunocompromised. People aged 6 months and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional updated COVID-19 vaccine doses 2 or more months after they have received their last recommended COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information or visit the CDC’s website for a recommended vaccination schedule for immunocompromised by age group.
COVID-19 vaccine is available at local healthcare providers and local pharmacies. To find a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, go online to vaccines.gov or speak to your healthcare provider. If you need assistance with finding or scheduling a vaccine appointment, please contact 211 (1-877-211-8667).
COVID-19 vaccine is available at TCWH’s on-site immunization clinic for those who are eligible. Eligibility includes children less than 19 years old who use Child Health Plus or Medicaid as well as both children and adults who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the costs of the vaccine. Call our office to learn more and to schedule an appointment: 607-274-6604.
TCWH offers in-home Covid-19 and flu vaccinations to Tompkins County residents who are considered homebound. This means that you require the use of a walker or wheelchair to leave your home, your health condition may worsen if you leave your home, it is difficult for you to leave your home and you usually do not leave your home. In-home COVID-19 and flu vaccinations for homebound individuals are available to those with or without private insurance. Please call 607-274-6604 to register for this service.
Whole Health Commissioner Frank Kruppa stated, “Data continues to show the importance of vaccination to protect those most at risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19. An additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine may restore protection that has waned since a fall vaccine dose, providing increased protection to adults ages 65 years and older and those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.”
Kruppa continued, “To protect our community members, family, friends and neighbors, we should all remain up to date on our COVID-19 vaccinations. We must also remember to protect each other by staying home when we are sick, washing our hands well and often, and wearing a high-quality mask when around those who are most at risk of severe illness. As guidance shifts, we cannot forget the essential measures to prevent spread of illness and keep each other healthy and safe.”
COVID-19 test kits and KN95 masks remain available, free of charge, at a variety of locations throughout the county. For a list of distribution locations, visit our website at: tompkinscountyny.gov/health/covid19/distribution.
Tompkins County Whole Health envisions a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/TompkinsWholeHealth and on Twitter at @TCWholeHealth. Get Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text, sign up here.
Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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