Onondaga County is struggling to fill vaccine appointments and County Executive Ryan McMahon said they are not the only ones with this problem. He said the fairgrounds vaccination site and even other counties are also experiencing this, so it’s time to open up eligibility.
“Let us vaccinate our community. Eligibility needs to be expanded. At this point just let us vaccinate anyone who is eligible to receive the vaccine,” said McMahon.
The county is launching a new vaccine preregistration list for those 50 to 60 years old as a plan for leftover vaccine. If there are extra doses at the end of a clinic, the county will reach out to those on the list to claim a shot as to not waste supply. You can sign up for the waiting list on the county’s website.
Appointments remain availablethrough the county for those currently eligible, and a new vaccination location will open next week.
Shoppingtown Mall will make its debut as a clinic starting Monday. McMahon said it will function as a drive thru, which is an appeal to people who don’t feel comfortable entering large spaces like the OnCenter.
The site will have slots Monday the 23rd and Tuesday the 24th, with 1,200 doses for each day. Appointments opened Thursday afternoon.
