With vaccine supply now outpacing demand, the state is entering a new phase of the pandemic response; one which trades the “warp-speed” rush to develop and distribute a vaccine, for the slow, steady trudge toward the goal of “herd immunity.” 

 

To promote vaccination efforts, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), in collaboration with the New York State Association of County Health Officials (NYSACHO), has launched a Vaccine Uptake Initiative to collect and promote innovative strategies to encourage people to get the vaccine.

 

To further help people get vaccinated, this initiative provides an online resource that catalogs innovative vaccine strategies at www.nysac.org/vui.

 

“From Day one of this pandemic, counties had to write their own playbook for how to protect citizens, stay within the state's parameters, and combat the virus. Whether it was securing adequate PPE, standing up testing and tracing operations, or getting vaccines into the arms of hard-to-reach populations, counties worked together and learned from each other to solve these challenges. This important initiative builds on those efforts, so counties can get strategies into the field as soon as possible,” said NYSAC President and Ontario County Board Chair Jack Marren.

 

“One of the lessons we learned during the pandemic is that it's up to us to act and to find answers to the challenges before us. No one else is coming to help. That's why we're launching this new initiative to share the innovative work counties are doing to drive vaccination rates. It's up to us to get this done, and if we all work together and share ideas, we can be successful in ending this pandemic and getting life back to normal,” said NYSCEA President and Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro.

 

The NYSAC Vaccine Uptake Initiative (VUI) site includes examples of vaccination efforts divided into categories including; Incentive-Based Initiatives like free food and drink, tickets to events and a lottery; Public Awareness Initiatives like special-themed vaccination clinics, and testimonials; and Improved-Access Initiatives like the federal agreement with ridesharing companies, home vaccination visits, and the MTA's efforts to vaccinate commuters at rail stops. 

 

Anecdotal and scientific data suggest that achieving the vaccination rates required for a complete return to normal will be a significant challenge for policy makers and public health officials. Recent surveys show nearly 30% of Americans still have significant misgivings about receiving the vaccine.

 

“County leaders and Local Health Departments' are uniquely positioned to reach underserved and hesitant populations which we need to reach. County health departments have the front-line knowledge, the experience and, most importantly, the trust and respect in their communities. NYSAC is proud to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practices between our members so they do what they do best, serve the residents of our state,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario.

 

Counties are encouraged to share their vaccination initiatives with NYSAC by emailing coronavirus@nysac.org. 

 

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Media Contact: Mark LaVigne | MLavigne@nysac.org | 518-465-1473 x206