Show All Answers

1. How can I learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine?

For more information about the vaccine, safety, distribution priorities, clinics, FAQs and more:

• Visit the NYS COVID-19 vaccine website
• Call the NYS Vaccination Hotline, 1-833-4VAX (1-833-697-4829)

2. How do I find out if I am eligible for the vaccine?

New York State is in rolling out the vaccine in a phased distribution. To find out what groups are currently eligible click here.

To find out if you are eligible for the vaccine and for a list of clinic locations, please use the "Am I Eligible" tool or call the New York State Vaccination Hotline, 1-833-NYS-4VAX (1-833-697-4829).

3. I am eligible for the vaccine, where can I make my appointment for my first dose?

Supply is limited and demand is high. It may take a bit of time for you to get an appointment. Those who are eligible can try to get an appointment at one of the New York State run sites, which includes those who are 65 years old and older. Pharmacies can also provide vaccine by appointment to people 65 years and older.

New York State Clinics (including the Fairgrounds)
To make an appointment at a New York State-run vaccine site, “Am I Eligible” tool or call the New York State Vaccination Hotline, 1.833.NYS.4VAX (1.833.697.4829).

Cayuga County Health Department Clinic 
Clinics are NOT open to the general public at this time. If you are currently eligible to receive the vaccine, please work with your employer or call your City, Town or Village clerk for assistance in our county to identify where you may receive vaccine. With the vaccine supply being limited and the demand being high the Cayuga County Health Department is working with worksites to coordinate vaccinating eligible employees.

4. Do I need to prove I am eligible when I arrive for my appointment?

Yes, individuals being vaccinated must bring proof of eligibility to the vaccination site. This may include an employee ID card, a current letter from an employer or affiliated organization, a pay stub or a letter from healthcare provider. If you are eligible because of your age, bring a government-issued ID that includes your date of birth (like a Driver’s License or passport).

5. Do I need health insurance to get the vaccine?

You do not need to have health insurance to get the vaccine. There is no cost to you.

6. What type(s) of vaccine(s) are offered by the Cayuga County Health Department?

The Cayuga County Health Department is currently providing the Moderna vaccine. To learn more about the Moderna vaccine click here.

The Moderna vaccine is two separate shots given 28 days or more after the first dose. The first shot starts building protection, but everyone has to come back 28 days later for the second dose to get the most protection the vaccine can offer. The second dose is most effective when received 28-42 days after the first dose.

7. I received my first dose of the vaccine at a Cayuga County Health Department clinic. How do I schedule my second dose?

The Cayuga County Health Department will contact all of those who are eligible for second doses to let them know of second dose clinics. IF you registered for an appointment online with an email address, we will email you. If you do not have an email, we will call you.

8. Can I get my second dose at a different location than my first dose?

Those who receive the vaccine must return to the same provider/site to receive the second dose, unless New York State Department of Health approves an alternative due to extenuating circumstances.

9. Do I have to get the same vaccine for my second dose?

The COVID-19 vaccine requires a second dose of the same vaccine. The vaccines are not interchangeable.

10. What kind of side effects can the COVID-19 vaccine cause?

It is normal to have certain reactions after the vaccination. Most post-vaccination symptoms are mild to moderate in severity, occur within the first three days of vaccination, and resolve within 1–3 days of onset. There may be redness, swelling or pain around the injection site. Fatigue, fever, headache and aching limbs are also not uncommon in the first three days after vaccination. These symptoms are more frequent and severe following the second dose and among younger persons compared to older persons (i.e., >55 or ≥65 years). If symptoms start 3 days after vaccination or symptoms last longer than 2 days, Covid-19 testing is recommended.  

After receiving your vaccine, please register for V-Safe, a smartphone-based tool that provides personalized check-ins so you can quickly tell the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) if you have any side effects or report and side effects through the CDC Vaccine Adverse Reporting System (VAERS).

11. How was the vaccine developed so fast? Is it safe?

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. The first COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States were developed using Messenger RNA—also called mRNA. The mRNA technology is new, but not unknown. They have been studied for more than a decade. mRNA vaccines do not contain a live virus and do not carry a risk of causing disease in the vaccinated person.

Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines and these vaccines have undergone the most intensive monitoring in U.S. history.

12. I am nervous about getting one of the COVID-19 vaccines, what should I do?

If you are nervous or have questions about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, you should contact your healthcare provider to have a conversation and see what they recommend since they know you and your healthcare best.

13. Who should get the vaccine and when?

Currently, the United States supply of COVID-19 vaccine is limited, because of this the CDC is providing recommendations to federal, state, and local governments about who should be vaccinated first. New York State is following a phased-approach and determines who is eligible within specific priority groups and has begun rolling out the vaccine. To view who is eligible as outlined on the State website.

If you have an underlying medical condition which puts you at more risk for serious complications, you should get vaccinated.

We know that Black, Hispanic and Native Americans are dying from COVID at nearly three times the rate of white Americans, which is why it is important for everyone start having conversations with their healthcare providers.

Pregnant women are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. We ask that those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant that they speak with their OB/GYN to have a conversation about getting vaccinated.

The long term goal is for everyone to be able to easily get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as large enough quantities of vaccine are available.