The last two weeks of 2020 marked the start of the United States’ rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic as Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are delivered across the nation. Vice President and Dean of Student Life Hagi Bradley said that faculty teaching in-person classes are among those approved for vaccination. SLU staff, however, are not yet on the list of eligible New Yorkers for vaccination.

According to Dean Bradley, the office of the NY State governor determines the vaccination schedule and St. Lawrence University has no say in the vaccine rollout process. “The University does not know when the governor will allow different staff members to be vaccinated,” he said. “But I know NY private colleges are working with Governor Cuomo’s office to get them to open up to more qualifying categories that include staff members who work with students.” SLU EMS members and COVID testing site workers have already received their vaccines. Professors are scheduled to receive theirs within the months of February and March.

For a close-knit campus like St. Lawrence University, students hope the vaccine will soon be delivered to professors. One said, “I think vaccination for professors is really important because a lot of them are in the vulnerable group,” they said. “I would be more comfortable signing up for in-person classes if I know that my professors are safe and that I would not get them sick.” 

New York State, currently in phase 1a and 1b, is receiving and rolling out from 250,000 to 300,000 doses to eligible New Yorkers every week. Upon the question of vaccine distribution in the North Country, member of the NoCo Regional Control Room Scott Gray suggests that the current supply of the vaccine fell short compared to the demand. “The North Country receives 2% of the doses available in New York State, which translates to 6,000 doses that we distribute equitably between seven counties,” he said. This small number of doses dissipates quickly by the time it gets down to the local level.”  

Gray also wants to stress that the shortage of vaccine doses is a national supply issue. “We understand that the demand is high,” said Gray. “But believe that we are getting them to people as quickly as the allotments that we’re getting allow us to.” To those who have received the vaccines, Gray stressed the importance of continuing social distance and safety measures. “We are going to have to maintain that posture into the foreseeable future to keep everybody safe,” he said.

Vaccines for COVID-19 have been available since December 11, and the first doses are delivered to those who are crucial to moving forward such as healthcare and frontline workers. Vulnerable individuals ages 65+ are also eligible for the vaccines; after January 11, teachers, grocery store workers, and public safety workers, and transit workers are included in the long list of seven million. To find out if you are eligible for the vaccine or to schedule an appointment, visit the governor’s website at covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.