COVID-19

This is the central location for COVID-19 information on the St. Lawrence Health System (SLHS) website. We are constantly developing new resources to serve the North Country through this unprecedented challenge. Our highest priority is the health of our community, patients, and employees.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911 immediately.

Learn how to cope during COVID.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

St. Lawrence Health System is working in collaboration with SUNY Potsdam, New York State, and St. Lawrence County Board of Health with the vaccination efforts. A Vaccine Clinic has been set up at SUNY Potsdam's Maxcy Hall Field House, and vaccines are being distributed by appointment.

COVID-19 Vaccination FAQs:

How do I make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine?

The New York State Department of Health is working in collaboration with federal agencies and health systems and is in charge of establishing the framework for how COVID-19 vaccines will be distributed in the state. St. Lawrence Health System is working closely with the state and county to advise on the overall approach, and, in collaboration with St. Lawrence County’s office of Public Health, we will play an active role in distributing the vaccine to our community.

To determine if you are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and if a Point of Dispensing (POD) is currently accepting appointments in your area, please click this link.

St. Lawrence Health System recommends checking and rechecking the New York state scheduling system as often as possible. Because supplies are limited, appointments will be limited. New appointments will be added to the schedule as supplies of the vaccine become available in your area

When will I receive the Vaccine?

Since there is currently a limited supply of the vaccine, it will take time to vaccinate everyone who wants to receive it. The CDC has established a framework to make the vaccine available in a phased approach. Healthcare personnel and high-risk individuals will receive it first, followed by workers in essential and critical industries. People ages 75 and older would be next followed by the general public.

Exact time frames have not been determined, as they depend on a variety of factors. Stay informed by visiting this page or the CDC website, which will provide updated information as it becomes available.

New York state will distribute the COVID-19 vaccine in phases based on need and risk. Individuals who are more likely to be exposed to the virus (such as healthcare professionals), and who are more likely to become seriously ill if they get COVID-19, will be offered the vaccine first. Rest assured, plans are in place to ensure that everyone will be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as large quantities are available, at no cost, no matter where they live.

The New York State Department of Health and St. Lawrence County will share information on when and where New Yorkers can get vaccinated as more vaccine doses become available.

See if you are currently eligible for the vaccine.

Now that two vaccines are available, will I get to choose which one I receive?

Because of limited supply and complex logistics, medical professionals will determine the vaccine being administered. It is generally advised by the CDC that you take the vaccine available to you to as long as it has been issued EUA or approved by the FDA.

The BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine have excellent safety and efficacy profiles. All vaccines undergo the same stringent review processes, regardless of manufacturer. FDA approval or EUA means the agency has determined, based on rigorous review and evidence that the vaccine is safe and effective for intended use.

Questions with video answers:

Canton-Potsdam Hospital Infectious Diseases Physician Assistant Kylie Broughal provides answers to the following questions: