Vaccine Eligibility for New York State is Expanded

In-person college faculty and essential in-person staff are now eligible to receive a Covid-19 vaccine. Information regarding the updates to the New York state’s vaccination guideline was provided in an email from Vice President for Community and Employee Relations Lisa Mazzola to employees of St. Lawrence University. 

Since the state’s vaccination guidance does not specify beyond “in person” staff or faculty it is believed that student workers on campus are also eligible for vaccination. For student workers planning to get vaccinated, having proof of employment, a letter of attestment from an employer or a pay stub, is necessary. 

Aubrey Ahern ’23 explained that as a chemistry teaching assistant, she met the requirements of  an in-person college instructor. Ahern mentioned that the process was quite simple. “I just went to the NYS website and registered for that day. Getting the shot itself was also super easy and there wasn’t really any wait,” she stated. Ahern currently has her first dose and her only symptom so far was mild arm pain.

Piper Curtin ’22 was also eligible for vaccination prior to the updates in guidelines as she has asthma. “The process was slightly daunting, but simple as well,” she said. “It was a lot of checking boxes and filling things out,” Curtin further detailed, “[and] I was required to identify my reason eligibility on a long list of health problems and types of employment.” After receiving the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine and the observation period, Curtin explained that she made an appointment for the second dose. “The only effects I felt were a pain in my arm,” she stated. Curtin advised students to make an appointment to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible and as soon as possible because there is a three week waiting period between the two doses. 

“The process was super easy and user friendly,” said Landon Urzetta ’22, “and the people there made sure everyone was aware of their vaccination timeline.” Urzetta’s symptoms pertained to a sore arm and occasional fatigue. “It is a super important opportunity for those eligible to take advantage of because of how efficient New York is in rolling vaccinations,” he said.

Ahern also advised students to get vaccinated as soon as possible. “I personally don’t believe in not getting the vaccine to try to “save them” for people who “need them more.” “Getting the vaccine not only prevents them from going to waste but helps to protect the entire community,” she continued.