Immunization & Vaccines

TCWH Clinics  |  COVID-19 Vaccine NYS Updates  |  Immunizations Schedules  |  Resources

Watch the video story about our COVID-19 Community Resilience Mural

Tompkins County offers New York State funded vaccines at our immunization clinics for eligible children and adults. TCWH provides vaccines required for school as well as those recommended by the AAP. If you have a Primary Care Provider (PCP), contact them first for your immunization needs.

QR code to call CHS at 607-274-6604 You are always welcome to call us to ask questions about vaccine safety and effectiveness, or talk about any concerns you have. Dial 607-274-6604 (or scan the code) Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30.

  • Flu: Everyone 6 months and older should get the flu shot every year.
  • RSV: Everyone 75+ should get the vaccine if they have not received it before. People 50+ with risk factors may want to get the vaccine.
  • COVID-19: Click here.
  • Additional recommended vaccines
    for Children: Click here.
    for Adults: Click here

New York State Funded Vaccine Programs at TCWH

For eligible individuals.

Vaccines for Children (VFC)

The VFC program offers state funded vaccines to eligible children less than 19 years of age. Your children may be eligible for VFC if they:

  • Are currently enrolled in Medicaid
  • Have Child Health Plus
  • Are under insured: your insurance does not cover the vaccine
  • Do not have insurance
  • Are Native American or Alaska Native

Recommended Immunizations Schedule for Birth to 18 Years Old

Vaccine for Adults (VFA)

The VFA program offers state funded vaccines to eligible adults ages 19 and over. You may be eligible for VFA if you:

  • Are under insured: your insurance does not cover the vaccine
  • Do not have insurance
  • Are enrolled in college (MMR only)

College students of any age are eligible to receive the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine through the VFA program, regardless of insurance status.

Vaccine Schedule for Adults

Immunization Clinics at TCWH

We serve community members with no insurance, or with Medicaid or a Medicaid managed care plan. (You do not have to be a Tompkins County resident.)

  • Fridays 9:00 AM–12:00 PM; 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
  • For appointments and information, call Community Health Services at 607-274-6604.
  • Immunization records: You will need to provide a copy of your and/or your child's immunization record in advance of your appointment. Please also bring the records with you to your appointment.

Note: If you have a primary care provider or pediatrician, please contact them to make an appointment for immunizations. If you have insurance but no primary care provider we will help you connect with a health care provider. Call 607-274-6604.

Vaccines Available at TCWH Immunization Clinics

Note: Vaccine availability is subject to change. Please call CHS at 607-274-6604 for the most updated information on vaccine availability.

For Children (Ages 0-19)

  • DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis)
  • HiB
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • HPV
  • Influenza
  • Meningococcal
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
  • Moderna Covid vaccine
  • Polio
  • Pneumococcal
  • Td
  • Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)
  • Varicella

For Adults (Ages 19 and Up):

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • HPV (Human papillomavirus)
  • Influenza (Quadrivalent and High Dose)
  • Jynneos (Mpox vaccine)
  • Meningococcal
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
  • Moderna Covid vaccine
  • Polio
  • Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)

Vaccines Not Available at TCWH Clinics

  • Rotavirus (for children)
  • Shingles (for adults)
  • Adult Pneumococcal vaccine
  • RSV vaccine (adults and children)
  • Travel vaccines (cholera, yellow fever, typhoid)
  • Meningococcal Serogroup B vaccine
  • Varicella for adults

NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance

Vaccination Update

In New York State, licensed physicians, nurse practitioners and pharmacists have been authorized to prescribe and provide COVID-19 vaccine by an executive order by the Governor. 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.
  • Availability will vary, so call ahead of time. See additional information below.

Local COVID-19 Vaccine Locations

Questions about vaccines? Call our office at 607-274-6604.

*VaCS is “Vaccination Conversations with Scientists,” an Ithaca-based volunteer managed non-profit initiative monitoring the availability of COVID-19 vaccinations at pharmacies in Tompkins and Cortland Counties. .

 

COVID-19 FAQ

FAQ: COVID-19 Vaccination

When should I get my COVID-19 vaccine?

The best time to get your Covid vaccine is in the fall, along with your flu vaccine. Respiratory viruses circulate at higher levels in the winter so it’s ideal to get vaccinated prior to holiday gatherings. The month of October is generally recommended as a good month to get your Covid and flu vaccine. If you have been recently infected with Covid, you may delay getting your Covid vaccine for 3 months following your Covid infection as you have some natural immunity.

What are the vaccines that are available and where can I find them?

There are four Covid-19 vaccines available for the 2025-2026 season:

  • Moderna Spikevax
  • Moderna mNexSpike
  • Pfizer Comirnaty
  • Novavax

Please check this list for information on which pharmacies are carrying which vaccines: Local COVID-19 Vaccine Locations – Vaccination Conversations with Scientists

For additional information: COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

Are there side-effects of the vaccines?

The most common side effects of vaccination are a low-grade fever, mild aches, and swelling and redness or soreness at the injection site. These are signs that the vaccine is working and the body has been activated to build a defense against the disease.  

Vaccination FAQs

What is the latest strain of COVID-19 in the vaccine?

The 2025-2026 Covid vaccines are all monovalent vaccines, made to work against the JN.1 lineage of Covid-19, specifically the LP.8.1 strain.

For additional information: COVID-19 Vaccines (2025-2026 Formula) for Use in the United States Beginning in Fall 2025 | FDA

FAQ: Vaccination For Specific Groups, “Off-Label” Use

What is “off-label” vaccine use? Does that mean it is not safe to use?

“Off-label” is a term used to describe a medication or vaccine that is being used differently than the label from the FDA. Physicians often prescribe medications “off-label” with some estimates being that 1 in 5 prescriptions written are for “off-label” use. This generally means that your provider has had a conversation with you about the benefits and risks of getting a medication off label and that the benefits outweigh the risks. In the case of the Covid vaccine, evidence continues to show a strong benefit for vaccination for everyone.

Do I have to be over age 65 or have a pre-existing health condition to get vaccinated?

No, not in New York State. Current FDA labelling restricts the Covid vaccine to people over age 65 or people with a pre-existing health condition. New York State governor Kathy Hochul issued an executive order allowing pharmacists to administer the Covid vaccine “off label” to everyone using a patient-specific medical order. This has expanded access to the Covid vaccine to everyone ages 3 and up in New York State.

For additional information: No. 52: Declaring a Disaster in the State of New York Due to Federal Actions Related to Vaccine Access | Governor Kathy Hochul

Can infants be vaccinated?

There is no vaccine approved for use in infants less than 6 months of age. Infants over 6 months of age can be vaccinated if they have an underlying health condition or “off label” by a patient-specific order if immunization is desired. Please consult with your infant’s pediatrician regarding Covid vaccination. NYSDOH recommends all infants ages 6 months to 23 months be vaccinated as this group is high risk for complications and hospitalizations due to Covid.

For additional information: 2025–2026 COVID-19 Immunization Guidance for Children

I’m pregnant. Should I get vaccinated?

Yes, vaccination is recommended for pregnant women by ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) and by NYSDOH. Pregnancy is an independent risk factor for severe illness due to Covid-19.

For additional information: 2025–2026 COVID-19 Immunization Guidance for Pregnant People

FAQ: Vaccination And Pharmacies

Do I need to bring documentation of my pre-existing healthcare condition to the pharmacy?

It depends. This varies depending on which pharmacy you are going to. Most pharmacies allow you to self-attest. We recommend you check this list for more information on all the pharmacies in Tompkins County: Local COVID-19 Vaccine Locations – Vaccination Conversations with Scientists

Do I need a prescription to get vaccinated?

It depends. Some pharmacies are requiring a prescription, and others are not. You can check this list for detailed information on each pharmacy: Local COVID-19 Vaccine Locations – Vaccination Conversations with Scientists

FAQ: Vaccination And Health Insurance

Do I need insurance to get vaccinated?

No. If you do not have insurance, you can get certain vaccines (including COVID-19 vaccine) at Tompkins County Whole Health’s immunization clinic. More information on eligibility for these programs and specific vaccines available here: Immunization & Vaccines | Tompkins County

You may get vaccinated at a pharmacy or physician office without insurance, but you will be considered a self-pay patient and will be charged the full cost of the vaccine plus an administration fee.

If you do not have insurance, we recommend that you call 211 (1-877-211-8667) and ask to speak to an insurance navigator. There are many affordable options through the NY State Marketplace.

How do I know if my insurance covers the cost?

The best way to know this is to contact your health insurance company directly and ask. Phone numbers for customer service are usually listed on the back side of your insurance card.

What do I do if my insurance does NOT cover the cost/is very expensive?

If your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of the vaccine, you would be considered underinsured and would qualify to get vaccine through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Vaccines for Adults (VFA) programs at Tompkins County Whole Health: Immunization & Vaccines | Tompkins County

Will TCWH be hosting any large vaccination clinics again?

At this time, we are not planning to host any large vaccination clinics. The pharmacies in Tompkins County will be the main provider of Covid vaccine to the public. We will continue to monitor vaccine access and will inform the public if a large vaccination clinic is planned.

FAQ: Additional General Covid-19 Guidance

What are other steps I can take to reduce risk?

Avoid people who are sick. Wear a mask in public if you are high risk (immunocompromised). Consider use of air filters to reduce infectious airborne particles. Wash hands well and often.

Isolate away from others while sick to prevent the spread of illness. If you are experiencing respiratory illness symptoms (fever, coughing, sneezing), please limit exposing others to illness: stay home and away from others until fever free for at least 24 hours unmedicated, wear a high-quality mask when around others, and wash hands well and often. Check with your employer or school setting to see if there is specific guidance for your situation.

For additional information:

  • RSV, Flu & COVID: How Are These Respiratory Illnesses Different? | AAP
  • Children & Colds (Upper Respiratory Infections) | AAP

  •  

    I tested positive for COVID-19 on an at-home self-test. How can I report my case?

    Any positive test that is lab-verified (PCR or antigen) is recorded by NYS and tracked accordingly. We post weekly Tompkins County “NYS new weekly positive PCR & Antigen tests” on our website. To report an at-home positive test, you can go online to NIH funded "Make My Test Count".

    Please note: At-home tests are no longer included in the NYS total counts. Only tests run by labs (aka tests taken in doctor’s offices) are included in the weekly count.

    Where can I get free COVID-19 self-test kits!?

    Come to our office at 55 Brown Road during business hours, Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm. Test kits are available to grab-and-go (contact free) in the lobby vestibule (there is a purple storage unit). Test kits are available at no cost while supplies last. Questions? Call our office at: 607-274-6600.

Get Vaccinated at a Local Pharmacy

Flu and RSV vaccinations

  • Flu: Everyone 6 months and older should get the flu shot every year.
  • RSV: Everyone 75+ should get the vaccine if they have not received it before. People 50+ with risk factors may want to get the vaccine.

For COVID-19 vaccination information and location updates see the section above.

Be sure to check the pharmacy's website or call about hours and availability.  

[Links verified 9/2/25]

Homebound Residents

TCWH offers in-home Covid and flu vaccinations to Tompkins County residents who are considered homebound. 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.

Mobile Clinics

TCWH offers mobile flu clinics during the start of flu season, usually in the month of October. If your organization is interested in hosting a flu clinic and has at least 10 people who want to be vaccinated, please call 607-274-6604 to speak with a nurse manager to organize this. Planning for mobile flu clinics usually starts in July or August.

Travel Vaccines

Travel Clinics provide travel vaccines, malaria prevention, travelers’ diarrhea prevention and management, among other services for travelers. Following are local travel clinics. Visit their websites for all services provided.

Outside of Tompkins County

     

Immunization Updates for the 2025-26 School Year

Many children need to receive vaccines during the summer to stay up-to-date and comply with school vaccination requirements.

Current NYS School Immunization Regulations

Please review the following schedules before school starts.

All kids entering 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 12th grade must have the meningococcal vaccine. Without it, they cannot start school.

School children are now mandated to be immunized with a complete series of all required vaccines — or be in the process of doing so — in order to attend classes. Under the current definition of “in process,” children who are not fully immunized can only continue to attend school or pre-K if they are in the process of completing their immunization schedule according to the current NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) requirements. If children are following other immunization schedules that do not meet the intervals specified by the NYSDOH, then they are no longer considered to be “in process” and must be excluded from school, if not otherwise exempt.

Recommended Immunization Schedules

American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended child immunization schedules (posted January 2026)

Schedule for children aged 0–6 years old

Child Immunization Schedule for Ages 0-6 (American Association of Pediatrics)

Schedule for children aged 7–18 years old

Child Immunization Schedule for Ages 7-18 (American Association of Pediatrics)
Be Wise, Immunize

The Campaign to ImmuNYze all New Yorkers is an initiative of the County Health Officials of New York (NYSACHO), bringing together patients, parents, providers and campaign partners. Our goal: to heighten awareness of the need to immunize throughout life — from infancy through senior years — by offering reliable, science-based information on vaccines and vaccine preventable diseases.

For more information, download brochures here: “Be Wise, Immunize!”(PDF, 1MB) and “Don’t Wait, Vaccinate!”(PDF, 1MB)

Resources

Additional Vaccine and Immunization Information

Immunization Schedules

Vaccine Information Statements (VIS)

Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) are fact sheets produced by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.) Each VIS explains to vaccine recipients, their parents, or their legal representatives both the benefits and risks of a vaccine. At any TCHD clinic, you will be provided with the specific VIS for the vaccine or vaccines you or your child are about to receive. You will also be given time to review it before the vaccine is administered.

What to Do After the Shots

      

1/9/2026

4/16/2025

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