Thousands Vaccinated by Albany Med

Approximately 6,500 people have received their first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine through Albany Med since Dec. 14.

Albany Med began vaccinating members of its workforce who have been on the front lines caring for patients with Covid-19 and continues to follow a tiered distribution plan. The plan was developed by a multidisciplinary team, led by Albany Med’s Alden March Bioethics Institute, and is in line with state recommendations.

In continuation of its vital role to the communities it serves, Albany Med has been selected by the state to be a Regional Vaccine Hub. As such, it will partner with the State Department of Health, local health departments and community organizations to distribute the vaccine safely, equitably and efficiently across Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren and Washington counties.

“We are honored to serve in this important role,” said Dennis McKenna, MD, president and CEO of Albany Med. “The vaccine has been determined by the FDA and CDC to be safe and effective. Members of the community are strongly encouraged to receive the vaccine as availability expands. We all must do our part to protect ourselves and others—and put the pandemic behind us.”

As the Capital Region Hub, Albany Med is leading the effort to vaccinate local first responders.

Michael Dailey, MD, chief of Prehospital and Operational Medicine at Albany Med, said, “We work very closely with the EMS providers of our region and are excited to be able to help get them vaccinated. We look forward to assist all of public safety get this critical protection as it becomes available.”

Every Albany Med staff member—and every New Yorker—will have the opportunity to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. When other groups can be vaccinated, locations for vaccine clinics, known as PODs, will be established and advertised. The availability of the vaccine dictates distribution capacity.