COVID-19 Vaccinations and Tests Information: Home

1. For the most up-to-date information, check the state Covid-19 Vaccine website https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ This site will let you know if you are currently in a category that is eligible to receive the vaccine.
2. Your next step will be to use the Covid-19 eligibility website https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ This site lists the State run Covid-19 that currently have availability and allows you to access sites that have an appointment. Please note, that you must have an appointment to get the vaccine, you cannot just show up at a site. You can also call the New York State Covid-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829) to determine eligibility and make an appointment.
3. If you choose to use the eligibility website, it will take you to a prescreen page https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/Public/prescreener Fill out the information completely, you will then be taken to a page that lists the sites and availability for vaccines at each site. This information can change frequently, so you can recheck this page often for availability. If you see a site with an appointment, click on Schedule Your Vaccine Appointment, it is highlighted in blue on the page. You can scroll down for available dates, then click on an available time, it will take you to a registration page to be filled out and then complete your registration. Be sure to fill out completely and print a copy of your form.
4. You must bring a copy of your registration for vaccination on the day of your visit and your ID (license or other form of identification)
5. On the date of your appointment, proceed to your assigned location; many sites are suggesting that you arrive early
6. Once your vaccine dose has been administered, you will be given a card with the date and brand. The information about your second vaccine dose may be on the back of this card, or it may be given to you by the health professionals on-site. You will likely need to return to the same site for your second dose.

The full instructions from the New York State website are as follows:

Instructions for New York State-Operated Vaccination Sites:

Step 1: Determine eligibility and schedule an appointment. The Am I Eligible website is the quickest way to see if you're eligible and make an appointment. You can also call the New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829). Once you have successfully scheduled an appointment, you will receive a confirmation email that contains a barcode. You will need to bring this to your appointment. 

You will be asked to submit information about you, locate a provider by choosing a state run site that has appointmnets available, select a visit date and time, and answer a sequence of screening questions by following prompts.  Note some screens are optional.  A registration ticket is proof of your success.

Step 2: Complete the Vaccine Form. Once you have a confirmed appointment, you must complete the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form. This form should be filled out online and you will receive a submission ID indicating completion. You will need to bring the submission ID to your appointment. If you cannot submit the form online, it will be available at the vaccination sites.

Step 3: Bring proof of eligibility to your appointment. Depending on your eligibility category, proof can include an employee ID card, a letter from an employer or affiliated organization, a pay stub, a driver's license, passport, or any legal proof of your date of birth and residency. At the time of your appointment, you'll be asked a series of clinical questions to ensure readiness for a vaccine. You will be asked for insurance information BUT the vaccine is free and there will never be a charge to you. This information is for administrative use only.

Step 4: Your second dose appointment will be scheduled automatically when you receive your first vaccine dose. Your second appointment will be scheduled for the same time and at the same location, three weeks following your first dose. You will receive a card onsite with the date and time indicated and a confirmation email will follow a few days later. Please keep in mind when scheduling your first appointment that your second appointment will occur at the same time of day.

Need a ride? Contact Saratoga County Office of the Aging for transportation to vaccine sites.

Phone: (518 ) 884-4100    
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday

NEW: Saratoga Senior Center- 518-584-1621

Volunteers provide back up transportation to vaccination appointments with advanced arrangements made with the Center.

Volunteers assist with technical difficulties making vaccination appointments using technology, by appointment.

Access and Eligibility:

NEW: One stop vaccine finder starting with your zip code connects to local availability of vaccine across all options.  Efficient and powerful FINDER!

Vaccine Finder  https://vaccinefinder.org/

Good Rx  New York https://www.goodrx.com/covid-19/newyork

Saratoga County Public Health Services  has designated the following as eligible for vaccines from the county:  police, fire, public transit, preschool-12 school personnel, and frontline grocery workers. They  must get their vaccines from the County Department of Public Health or a state-run facility. The County cannot vaccinate anyone in the “65 or over” category. 

NEW: Saratoga County has a new call center and is now creating a pre-vaccination registry of "65 or over" county residents in the event that they receive vaccine and can serve that population. Call 518-693-1075 to add your name to the list.

NEW: Saratoga County has posted a Potential Vaccine Recipient Interest List to gather information from residents who need the COVID vaccine. https://www.saratogacountyny.gov/potential-vaccine-recipient-interest-list/

NEW: New York State announced that people with comorbidities and underlying health problems are eligible for the COVID 19 vaccine starting on February 15. A list of the conditions specified for eligibility can be found here or at the NYS  link below. below: https://www.saratogacountyny.gov/departments/publichealth/covid19/vaccination-registration/

Pharmacies and Availability:

The links to COVID 19 vaccination appointments below are often updated, even hourly.

Pre-registration on Walgreens, Price Chopper, CVS, and other sites facilitates access to appointments.

Be prepared to enter your insurance information at the NY State site and pharmacy sites. 

Early morning and late night are sometimes advantageous times to try to make an appointment. 

See these links suggested by Saratoga County:

Safety:

How does the vaccine work?

If you have symptoms, or if you think you were exposed: call your primary care doctor and follow their recommendations.

If you do not have symptoms, or if you do not have a primary care doctor:

1. go to https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing
2. Scroll down and click the button that says "Start Assessment" to put in your information and be connected with a test site
3. Wait for contact from New York State with appointment information, most likely at the SUNY Albany test site
4. Proceed to the test site on your scheduled day--according to those tested, you are instructed not to be late, and the location of the test site on the UAlbany campus may not be clearly marked at the campus entrances, so it is suggested that you arrive early.
5. At your test, you will be given information on how and when you will receive your test results. It is likely that the best way to access your test results is through an online portal set up by New York State.

Important cost information from the New York State website:

• If you go to a test site run by New York State, there is never any charge for your test.
• If you go to a test site operated by local governments, private companies including pharmacies and medical practices or not-for-profit organizations, you are advised to check with the testing site and your insurer in advance of being tested to confirm you will not be responsible for any fees associated with your test.