Local legislators are leading the charge to get Governor Cuomo to establish SUNY Oneonta as a state-run COVID-19 vaccination site according to a press release from State Senator Peter Oberacker's (R/C – Schenevus) Office. Oberacker, along with Assemblyman Joe Angelino (R/C/I – Norwich), Assemblyman Brian Miller (R/I – New Hartford), Assemblyman John Salka (R/C/I – Brookfield), and Assemblyman Chris Tague (R/C/I – Schoharie) have been aware of the struggle vaccine eligible residents in Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties to gain access to the vaccine since vaccine demand outweighs supply. In addition, there are no state-run sites and any of those counties. The nearest ones are in Binghamton and Albany, not ideal for the elderly or those with transportation issues.

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On the subject of SUNY Oneonta as a state-run vaccine site, SUNY Oneonta Acting President Dennis Craig said, “SUNY Oneonta would welcome the opportunity to serve the people of our region as a vaccination location. We are well-equipped to serve and our staff stands ready to help turn the tide against COVID. The college appreciates the enthusiastic support of our state legislative coalition and our community partners in working together toward this goal.”

Senator Peter Oberacker states, “As more and more COVID-19 vaccine doses become available it is critical that we ease the path for rural residents to access a clinic.  I visited SUNY Oneonta and toured the proposed clinic site with Acting President Craig and his staff and was extremely impressed.  This site checks all the boxes and would be a gamechanger for many in our region who are eagerly awaiting an opportunity to receive the vaccination.  I urge the state to take SUNY Oneonta up on its offer and move forward swiftly.”

It remains to be seen if Governor Cuomo and the New York State Department of Health agree with our local legislators on the need for SUNY Oneonta to be added as a state-run vaccine site.

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