POUGHKEEPSIE – COVID-19 vaccines are still available and the United Way of Dutchess-Orange Region is offering free transportation for City of Poughkeepsie residents to vaccination sites. Health officials emphasize that vaccines continue to strongly protect against hospitalizations, including the Delta variant.
Vaccination opportunities are widely available. A Dutchess County Immunization Clinic is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Family Partnership Center at 29 North Hamilton Street in Poughkeepsie. COVID-19 vaccines are available for individuals,12 years of age and older (Pfizer) 18 years and older (Pfizer and Moderna).
Appointments can be scheduled by calling 845-486-3409 or 845-486-3533.
The United Way of Dutchess-Orange has partnered with Lyft to offer free rides for city residents to and from their vaccine appointment. To request a free ride, click here.
For information about where to get the COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.DutchessNY.gov/
Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison noted that health officials also recommend that people still need to take precautions to avoid being infected. The recommendations include:
• Wear a mask in indoor public spaces, even if fully vaccinated.
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer when necessary.
• Practice physical distancing — particularly in congregate settings.
• Stay home when sick! Anyone experiencing cold or COVID-19 symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, loss of taste or smell, should stay home to rest, recover and help prevent the spread of the virus.
In accordance with CDC guidance, the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) recommends universal masking for indoor public settings — all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, are strongly urged to wear a face covering.
With the highly infectious Delta variant as the dominant circulating strain throughout the nation, masks protect vaccinated and unvaccinated people from acquiring and transmitting COVID-19. Universal masking is an important mitigation step to enable businesses and events to continue operating and for schools to reopen without disruption.
To learn more about how the CDC is responding to the COVID-19 virus, click here.
For the full CDC public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people, see the CDC website. For information about local vaccine availability and other COVID-19 updates, visit www.DutchessNY.gov/Coronavirus or call the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health at (845) 486-3555.
New York State also has established its own mass vaccination sites across the state and residents can go to https://covid19vaccine.health.
