SUNY Upstate Medical University has distributed all of its first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine, and is now administering the second dose. Upstate has vaccinated 6,000 people in the first phase of New York’s vaccination program.
Upstate is the vaccination hub for a five-county region in central New York. Health care personnel, first responders and residents and staff in long term care facilities, are eligible to receive the vaccine. The hospital has been vaccinating its own staff, as well as the staff of other hospitals in the region.
While visiting the hospital on Wednesday, SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras said the central New York region has been a model for cooperation between SUNY Upstate, Onondaga County and the city of Syracuse.
“So, as this expands to broader communities, I think you’re going to see a quick process in multiple areas with a lot of experienced health care personnel to do this,” Malatras said. “I’m confident that once that happens, we stand willing and ready to go.”
Upstate continues to receive new shipments of the vaccine. As the rollout moves forward, Malatras said five community colleges have agreed to be distribution centers for the vaccine and more SUNY campuses are likely.
