Online vaccine directory launches
HealthAlliance parent provides real-time info about dose distribution
Westchester Medical Center Health Network, which operates the two HealthAlliance Hospital campuses in Kingston, has launched an interactive directory that it says will help Hudson Valley residents access COVID-19 vaccinations.
The Hudson Valley COVID-19 Vaccine Directory (online at tabsoft.co/2OmnSR7) “provides realtime information for those seeking information about where recent vaccine supply has been distributed and details for making appointments for vaccination,” Michael D. Israel, president and chief executive officer of WMCHealth, said in a statement. He said that as the lead and coordi
nator for the Hudson Valley Region Hub of the state Regional Vaccine Network, WMCHealth is overseeing vaccine management in the region.
“We want to ensure that our residents have access to the information they need and access to the vaccine as it is made available to ensure the most equitable distribution,” Israel said.
Josh Ratner, executive vice president and chief strategy officer for WMCHealth, said the new directory is an important database.
“The interactive directory translates weekly vaccine distribution from New York state into both an interactive map and listing of those locations that have recently received vaccine supply,” Ratner said in a statement. “It also includes information about those locations that have received vaccine supply in the past, giving Hudson Valley residents an accurate picture of both vaccine availability and past distribution. It’s transparency at its best.”
The new service allows users to search an interactive map by location type, such as pharmacy or health clinic, location name and county. Clicking on a location brings up detailed information about the location, who might be eligible to receive a vaccine at that location, and how to register for an appointment.
WMCHealth notes that each location controls its own schedule and makes its own appointments. Also, the directory does not represent the actual inventory of each location, only information about whether a location has received a recent distribution or a distribution sometime in the past.