Rensselaer County Ready to Serve as a State Mass Vaccination Site
Submitted by the Office of County Executive McLaughlin
Rensselaer County is ready to further expand a county mass vaccination site and partner with the state to deliver vaccines on a county and regional basis, County Executive Steve McLaughlin announced Tuesday, February 16.
The announcement came after the Governor asked for counties to partner with the state to provide vaccines on a larger scale. The Governor told counties he expects an increase in the number of vaccines that will be provided to the state for delivery to residents.
McLaughlin renewed his request for more vaccines after the county completed another vaccination clinic with 100 percent delivery. The county has been able to deliver 100 percent of all vaccines delivered to the county.
“We need more vaccines for our residents, and are ready to partner with the state if it helps secure more vaccines for our county and our region,” said McLaughlin.
“It is encouraging to hear that the state expects an increase in vaccines. Rensselaer County has an outstanding record of delivering vaccines and we are ready to do even more to get our residents vaccinated,” added McLaughlin.
The Governor said he is willing to work with any county willing to establish a mass vaccination site, ensure supplies and vaccines and even provide other support and staffing, including the National Guard. The offer from the Governor came during a virtual call with county leaders from across the state today.
The county has established a mass vaccination site in partnership with Hudson Valley Community College. The county has distributed 650 vaccines in a single day, but McLaughlin said he believes the county site could double that daily output.
The county vaccination site was also visited by SUNY Chancellor James Malatras, who was also complimentary about the operation.
“Our mass vaccination site has successfully provided thousands of vaccines to residents. We have received many positive compliments and comments about the effectiveness of the county vaccination clinics. We know we can do even more to get residents vaccinated and increase our out at the site,” said McLaughlin.