NEW CITY, NY, – The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) announces that registration for the COVID-19 vaccine at the RCDOH site will open on the COVID-19 webpage for Phase 1b essential workers, starting today, after 4:00 pm. They do not expect the registration link to be open for very long.

The RCDOH received 700 doses of the Moderna vaccine for eligible workers who live or work in NYS and fall within the phase 1b essential worker category. Phase 1b essential workers, including police, firefighters, teachers, college professors, and grocery store workers. The full list of essential workers in Phase 1b can be found here. You must attest to being a Phase 1b essential worker to register for an appointment. Appointments are required. Phase 1b essential workers will be able to make an appointment by visiting: https://rocklandgov.com/departments/health/coronavirus-covid-19/

If you are a Phase 1b essential employee who works in New York State you must bring proof of employment to your appointment such as an employee ID card, a letter from your employer or affiliated organization, a recent pay stub, etc.

If you are a Phase 1b essential employee who lives in New York State but works out of state, you must bring proof of residency to your appointment such as a New York State driver’s license or proof of New York State residency in addition to the proof of employment listed above.

In the previous two weeks, the RCDOH assisted in vaccinating New York State residents age 65 and above. As per the Governor’s Executive Order 202.91, pharmacies, physician networks, and practice groups are primarily responsible for vaccinating the senior population. The RCDOH did not receive this week and is not expected to receive in future weeks COVID-19 vaccine to help vaccinate New York State residents age 65 and above. The Rockland County Health Department must follow the Governor’s Executive Order and the guidelines developed by the state on whom we can vaccinate. Vaccinations performed by local pharmacies and physician networks or practice groups must be made through those providers directly. A list of Rockland County’s Vaccine Allocation can be found here.

If you are 65+ and a Rockland resident, call the Rockland County Office for the Aging (OFA) at 845-364-2110, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am through 5:00 pm, to be put on a list for assistance making COVID-19 vaccine appointments. The OFA has partnered with several locally owned pharmacies to handle vaccination registration and will provide volunteers through the Rockland Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) to provide assistance while seniors are being vaccinated. The OFA can also help resident seniors with transportation to appointments as part of the Medical Transportation program. Spanish and Creole speakers are available. Please be patient if their phone bank is busy helping other residents.

“Our Department of Health and Office for the Aging are doing everything in their power to improve this flawed New York State controlled vaccination process, despite the Governor’s Order. I am proud of our local efforts which, as those who have been vaccinated at our Department of Health can attest, have efficiently and effectively gotten shots into arms of residents. We will continue to look for ways to improve our local response, will keep fighting to bring more vaccine to Rockland and we will not stop until all of you who want the vaccine get the vaccine,” said County Executive Ed Day.

“We are proud to be a part of the New York State COVID-19 mass vaccination effort. Together we are getting vaccine into people’s arms. Vaccine supply is currently very limited. I understand the frustration and difficulties in scheduling appointments. Please be patient as we continue to follow the state’s guidance on priority populations and will continue to communicate those details to you as clearly and as often as possible,” said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.

If you are in COVID-19 quarantine or isolation on the date of your appointment at the RCDOH, DO NOT COME FOR THE VACCINE. Please call the Rockland County COVID-19 Call Center at 845-238-1956 Monday-Friday (except holidays) from 8:00 am-5:00 pm or email [email protected]. Your appointment will be canceled, and your name placed on a list for future vaccine administration.

Your appointment for the second dose will be made for you during your first dose appointment. As a reminder, wherever you receive your first dose of vaccine, you must return to that location for your second dose.