Published on September 08, 2025
Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is alerting the community about recent changes to COVID-19 Vaccination eligibility and requirements. On Friday, September 5, 2025, New York State (NYS) Governor Hochul signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency for the entire state and authorizing licensed physicians, nurse practitioners and pharmacists to prescribe and provide COVID-19 vaccine. Following this executive order, in NYS you can now go to your primary healthcare provider to request a prescription for vaccination or go directly to the pharmacy to request a prescription and get vaccinated. Everyone is eligible to be vaccinated; pharmacies are able to vaccinate those ages 3 years and older; those ages 6mos – 36mos must receive vaccination through their pediatrician/primary care provider. Insurance coverage of vaccination may vary, contact your insurance provider to learn more.
The executive order states that COVID-19 continues to cause significant morbidity in children and adults and vaccination remains the most effective defense to prevent severe health outcomes. Vaccination against COVID-19 is a critical tool to prevent severe illness and transmission, especially among children, noting the vast majority of children and adolescents hospitalized for COVID-19 occurred in individuals who were unvaccinated.
New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) recommends everyone ages 6 months and older be vaccinated. TCWH would like to remind the community the importance of vaccination to prevent illness during the peak months of respiratory illness season which runs typically from October – May. Severity of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, Influenza (flu), and RSV are significantly reduced through vaccination.
TCWH’s Director of Community Health Services Rachel Buckwalter stated, “COVID-19 can cause severe symptoms, especially in older adults and those who are immunocompromised. Vaccination is also recommended for people who are pregnant. Vaccination has been proven to reduce rates of severe disease, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. It is strongly recommended to maintain your protection by staying up to date on vaccination doses. Please get your next COVID-19 vaccine dose as soon as you are able to do so.”
Vaccination is the best protection against COVID-19. It is proven to cut down on hospitalizations and death from COVID-19. Vaccination can prevent you from getting sick and spreading COVID-19 to others and reduce your risk of developing long COVID. COVID-19 vaccine will be available at local pharmacies and certain healthcare providers – some local pharmacies report that they currently have COVID-19 vaccine in stock. For a list of pharmacy locations including up-to-date information, visit the “Local COVID-19 Vaccine Locations” webpage of Vaccination Conversations with Scientists (VaCS), a local volunteer managed non-profit initiative (frequent updates, last updated as of 9/7/2025). Note: please be patient and allow time for pharmacies to adjust to the new guidelines as well as receive stock of vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine is also available at TCWH’s on-site immunization clinics for those who are eligible. Eligibility for children includes those who are uninsured, underinsured, or who use Medicaid, Medicaid managed care or Child Health Plus. Eligibility for adults includes those ages 19+ who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the costs of the vaccine. Visit our website to learn more or call our office to schedule an appointment: 607-274-6604.
TCWH offers in-home vaccination services for those who are home-bound, including COVID-19 and flu vaccines. This means that you require the use of a walker or wheelchair to leave your home, your health condition may worsen if you leave your home, it is difficult for you to leave your home, and you usually do not leave your home. Please call 607-274-6604 to register for this service.
Tompkins County Whole Health: envisioning a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X. Sign up to receive Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text.
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