Madison County opens up 18 and older will-call list for vaccine

Madison County Department of Health (MCDOH) would like those who are 18 and older to know that they are establishing a will-call list for COVID-19 vaccine appointments. The will-call list will be used when there are no shows or “extra” doses of vaccine are available.

“We do not want to waste any doses. Now that there is more vaccine being allocated we want to make sure those in our community have the opportunity to get vaccinated,” Madison County Public Health Director Eric Faisst said in a news release on Wednesday. “Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and those you love from COVID-19. Thousands of our residents have already been vaccinated; it shows that these vaccines are safe. Sign up today.”

To be placed on the will-call list, either fill out an online form or contact the Madison County COVID-19 Hotline at (315) 3662770. Officials will contact people as soon as an appointment becomes available. Take note that being contacted means a shot is available the same day. The willcall list is not being used to schedule appointments in advance.

Oneida County is now also accepting registration from county residents aged 18-49 who want to be notified when excess vaccine doses are available at county-operated sites. Those who apply will be put on a waiting list and contacted for an appointment regardless of state eligibility requirements. Registrants will be contacted by email, text, or phone should the opportunity arise. The waiting list can be accessed on the county’s website.

Madison County has vaccine appointments every day for the remainder of this week (March 24-26). They are at:

• the Parks and Recreation building in Chittenango

• the Northside Shopping Center in Oneida

Visitors must have an appointment to attend these clinics, no walk-ins will be allowed. Vaccine shots are free. All MCDOH clinic appointments can be found on the county’s website. If you need assistance making an appointment, please call the COVID-19 hotline at (315) 366-2770.

Even as more people get protected with the COVID-19 vaccine, herd immunity has not been reached, and COVID-19 still remains a threat. Officials encourage residents to remember the 3 W’s - wear a cloth face covering, watch your social distancing, and wash your hands.

For more information, visit the Madison County Health Department website at www.healthymadisoncounty.org.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MADISON COUNTY Vaccine going into a person’s arm.