Vaccine: What Are Those Eligible Saying in Dutchess County?
As the one year mark since the initial lockdown in the US approaches, there is a mix of both hope and hesitation among people in Dutchess County.
The rollout of the vaccine has been a slow and frustrating process for those residing in New York State, of which Dutchess County citizens are no exception. Following New York State guidelines, Dutchess County is currently vaccinating Phase 1a and 1b groups and those with underlying conditions. The county has two Points of Dispensing (POD) sites at the former JCPenney at the Poughkeepsie Galleria, and the former CVS in Dover Plains. The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) is expecting 4,000 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine this week, of which individuals will be selected at random from a list of over 44,000.
While some members of the community are patiently waiting for the notice of their opportunity to be vaccinated, others of eligible status are not as eager. One employee at the Hallmark Shop in the Poughkeepsie Galleria shared that she has not signed up to receive the vaccine. “I’m not a big needle person, so I’m waiting until I can choose the Johnson & Johnson [vaccine] and get it over with in one go,” she said. To what might be the surprise of many, she is not alone in this sentiment.
Danielle, cashier at the Walgreens on South Road in Poughkeepsie, is also eligible for the vaccine despite being under 65 and without preexisting conditions, due to her role as an essential worker. She too, however, is waiting for the single dose injection. “I’m not overly concerned right now. I’m going to keep doing what I have been to stay safe and social distance,” she replied when asked about the possible prolonged wait time until the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is available. Walgreens, located at 2024 South Road, is currently distributing the Moderna vaccine by appointment only, of which Danielle said there are none through at least mid-April.
Other essential workers in the community are waiting to receive the vaccine for different reasons. One pharmacist and one cashier at the Rite Aid on North Road in Poughkeepsie, both said they don’t feel the need to get the shot right now, preferring to see the 65 and older group get their vaccinations first. The Rite Aid located at 3350 North Road is also administering the Moderna vaccine, and is completely booked for the foreseeable future.
The newest addition to the list of individuals eligible for the vaccine are hotel workers, Governor Cuomo announced last Friday. Imane, Front Desk Manager at the Holiday Inn in Poughkeepsie, said that she was unaware of her new eligibility, but still would have to think about whether she would receive the vaccine due to concerns about how the potential side-effects may affect her already immune compromised system.
Marie, Front Desk Clerk at the Best Western Plus the Inn & Suites in Poughkeepsie, also was not made aware of hotel staff vaccine eligibility. Being under 65 and without any underlying conditions, Marie said she had been planning on waiting at least six months before receiving the vaccine, wary of potential long term side effects.
What is your stance? Would you take the vaccine now if you had the chance?
