Decades of research show that vaccines prevent disease. An overwhelming number of studies also show that they are safe and effective. But in recent years, some people have become concerned that vaccines are more dangerous than the diseases they prevent. An aggressive anti-vaccine movement is fueling their fears. Unfortunately, this has led some to delay or avoid vaccination.
It’s also one reason we are seeing the return of so many preventable diseases – like measles, mumps and whooping cough.
Current immunization recommendations
Top 20 Questions and Answers About Immunizations
We also field calls about vaccines and cancer prevention – such as the HPV vaccine.
Our Department serves as a safety net provider. This means, if you can’t get an appointment at your regular healthcare provider, health center or local pharmacy, we can serve you. Call 518-873-3500 for more information or to make an appointment for any of the below vaccines.
COVID-19 The Essex County Health Department has the ability to vaccinate anyone eligible for any dose with approved vaccine types.
Our Department vaccinates everyone eligible for the COVID vaccine without discrimination.
US or NY residency is not required to receive the COVID vaccine through our Department.
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is caused by a virus that is related to the virus that causes smallpox.
If and when you are ready, the health department has onsite mpox vaccine appointments available. JYNNEOS is a 2-dose vaccine developed to protect against mpox and smallpox infections. People need to get both doses of the vaccine for the best protection against mpox. The second dose should be given 4 weeks after the first dose.
Flu Central Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Some people, such as people 65 years and older, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk of serious flu complications. There are two main types of influenza (flu) viruses: types A and B. The influenza A and B viruses that routinely spread in people (human influenza viruses) are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year.
The best way to reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications is by getting vaccinated each year.
To assist in finding flu vaccine locations in Essex County, visit the flu vaccine finder.
Flu Vaccine Information Statement
Learn more about prevention, symptoms, diagnosis & treatment
School Immunizations. Children attending day care and pre-K through 12thgrade in New York State must receive all required doses of vaccines on the recommended schedule in order to attend or remain in school. This is true unless they have a valid medical exemption to immunization. This includes all public, private, and religious schools.
Health Department Nurses offer immunizations for:
School Required Vaccine Catch-Up Opportunity
Human papillomavirus (HPV) for those 9+
Meningitis B for those moving on from High School to College or other congregate living.
School Vaccination Requirements – NYSDOH Site Including Frequently Asked Questions
NYS Immunization Requirements for School Attendance Printable
We can bill:
Public Insurance: Medicaid, Medicare Part B, Child Health Plus, Fidelis Managed Care.
Private Insurance: Excellus or CDPHP.
Present your card at your appointment to receive services at no charge. If you are not covered by these health insurances we will provide you a receipt for service that you may submit to your insurance company to seek reimbursement.
This Department charges an at-cost rate plus administration fee —our rate/fees are adjusted down using a sliding fee scale based on household income.
COVID-19 – $128 per dose + $25 admin fee = $153.00
Flu vaccine – $18 per dose + $25 admin fee = $43.00
Flu vaccine high dose – $64 per dose + $25 admin fee = $89.00
We can now accept payment with GovPayNet – so you can swipe your debit or credit card here at our office or pay online.
Before you pay with GovPayNet we advise you to read the GovPayNet Fee Schedule and GovPayNet Terms of Service.
Please call our office at 518-873-3500 if you have questions about immunizations, fees or payment.
Stay tuned for 2024 clinic dates!
NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, is where New Yorkers can shop for, compare and enroll in health insurance coverage. You have a choice of health plans and help finding the plan that is right for you. It’s the only place to get financial assistance to reduce the cost of coverage. Health insurance offered in the Marketplace includes a comprehensive set of benefits. To learn more, visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.
In-Person Assistors for Essex County
Need health insurance? We can help. NY State of Health, the Official Health Plan Marketplace has in-person assistors in your community who can help you apply and enroll in a health plan. Help is free and available in your own language. Assistors can meet with you in locations convenient to your home or work.
Adirondack Health Institute Enrollment Assistance Services & Education (EASE)
1 – 866 – 872-3740
Southern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL) Navigator Health Insurance Assistance
518-792-3537
Essex County Department of Social Services: 518-873-3441
Traveler’s Vaccines
New York:
St. Lawrence County Public Health
80 State Highway 310, Suite 2 Canton, New York 13617 Phone: 315-386-2325
Website: https://stlawco.gov/Departments/PublicHealth
- Call to discuss cost, insurance information and/or to book an appointment.
Passport Health USA
Various Locations
Phone: 802-397-9119
Website: https://www.passporthealthusa.com/
- Passport Health provides travel medicine services at travel clinics throughout the United States. Enter zip code information to find a clinic or call to book an appointment.
Vermont:
University of Vermont Health Network
Pharmacy Services – Travel Clinic
1 South Prospect Street Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: 802-847-1045
Website: https://www.uvmhealth.org/medcenter/departments-and-programs/travel-medicine
- The Travel Medicine Program provides a range of services related to international travel, including pre-travel counseling, vaccinations, medications to lower the risk of infection and post-travel treatments as needed.
As a local health department we must:
✅ ensure compliance with all immunization statutes and regulations;
✅ assist with and follow-up on school immunization surveys;
✅ provide education regarding the risks and benefits of immunizations for consumers;
✅ conduct quality assurance activities with community health care providers including immunization practices, proper vaccine storage and handling, and compliance with immunization reporting requirements;
✅ ensure proper stewardship of immunization resources and serve as a safety-net immunization provider; and
✅ apply cost-based charges and make reasonable attempts to bill and collect fees for immunization services.