Immunizations

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.

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It’s also one reason we are seeing the return of so many preventable diseases – like measles, mumps and whooping cough.

Current immunization recommendations

School Requirements

Top 20 Questions and Answers About Immunizations 

We also field calls about vaccines and cancer preventionsuch 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. 

COVID-19 Vax given @ECHD in 2021!
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COVID-19 Vax given @ECHD in 2022!
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Bivalent Boosters given @ECHD in 2022!
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Bivalent Boosters given @ECHD in 2023!
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More information can be found by visiting the CDC website

COVID-19 Vaccine

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.⬆

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.⬆

Flu Vax

The best way to reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications is by getting vaccinated each year. Call 518-873-3500 for more information or to make an appointment. To assist in finding flu vaccine locations in Essex County,
visit the Flu Vaccine Finder.

Attend 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. ⬆

Our Nurses hold vaccine clinics at Essex County Schools & At the Health Department!

Health Department Nurses go to schools to 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.
For more information or to make an appointment call 518-873-3500

Mpox

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.
For an appointment call 518-873-3500
Billing

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.

Traveler's Vaccine Clinics

Traveler’s Clinics

Mountain Medical Urgent Care Services call 518-523-7575 or 518-897-1000

Plattsburgh Industrial Med. Testing call 518-562-2009

St. Lawrence County Department of Health Department call 315-386-2325

Warren County Public Health call 518-761-6580

In Vermont, UVM Travel Clinic call 802-847-1045

Traveler’s Vaccinations

NYSDOH Requirements as a Local Health Department

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.