MILLERTON — After the pause the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) placed on the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine last month caused the original Community Pop-Up Clinic planned by Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro’s office in conjunction with the Millerton American Legion Post 178 for Friday, April 16, to be canceled, there was no telling when the next vaccination clinic would be rescheduled. So it was good news when Post Historian Sean Klay announced the vaccination clinic has been rescheduled for this Friday, May 7, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Legion Hall at 155 Route 44.
“One of the pillars of the Legion is ‘Service,’ and in a time of need this is one of the functions we are able to support our community with,” said Klay after learning of the new clinic date. “As I understand from the county they are planning on 50 [vaccines], but will have more on hand in case there is more of a demand than anticipated.”
According to North East Town Clerk Gail Wheeler, the clinic will accept walk-ins from 10 a.m. to noon, although those wanting vaccinations are encouraged to pre-register to save time. Those who attend the county pop-up clinic will receive the J&J vaccine.
When asked if he was concerned about the clinic dispensing the J&J vaccine after it being put on pause last month due to reports of production issues and six women who got severe blood clots, Klay said no.
“No concerns with the vaccine considering over 7 million doses have been administered throughout the country,” he said of the one-dose vaccinations. “To those who may be hesitant, there are other vaccine options available through both the county and the state if they don’t want the J&J shot. As for those who choose not to, that is of course their choice and hopefully this has been made in conjunction with the best advice they received from their primary care physician.”
Klay added that if the Legion Post 178 were did not believe the vaccination clinic were safe, it wouldn’t be holding it.
“If our members were not supportive of this, the Post would not have reached out to the county and offered the location in order to support this effort,” he said. “If we had any doubts of the safety of the vaccine we would not have been willing to have it rescheduled at the Post. We would love to see all of the 50 appointments filled in addition to as many walk-ins as possible.”
The county executive’s office encourages anyone wanting to attend the Millerton clinic to use the following link: https://apps2.health.ny.gov/doh2/applinks/cdmspr/2/counties?DateID=C133E....
For a complete list of upcoming vaccine clinics at the county’s various fixed and pop-up locations, residents are encouraged to go to www.dutchessny.gov. Those in need of assistance may also call the COVID information line at 845-486-3555 and press # to speak with a representative who can assist in scheduling an appointment over the phone.
As vaccinations continue, the county’s health department reminds residents to follow all CDC guidance regarding coronavirus safety measures — including wearing a face mask, frequent hand washing and physical distancing -— to stop the spread of COVID-19.
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