COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Vaccine Information Session Featuring:
Dr. Dial Hewlett Jr. MD, FACP
FIDSA Medical Director, Division of Disease Control & Chief of Tuberculosis Services, Westchester County Department of Health
Vaccine FAQ
Q: Is there a negative impact for those who suffer from allergies?
A: There are no known negative impacts of the COVID Vaccine for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. However, the CDC advises that people who’ve had a severe allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccine to not get inoculated. People who’ve had a severe allergic reaction to other types of vaccines or injectable therapies should talk with their doctor about what would be best
Q: Are non-teaching faculty and support staff allowed to get the vaccine?
A: The Federal Government and the NYS Department of Health are phasing in those who are eligible for the COVID vaccine by categories. To see if you fall into one of those categories or are eligible for the vaccine go here.
Q: Will WCC serve as a vaccination site? If so, will the WCC community have priority access?
A: Westchester Community College is prepared and willing to serve as a Point of Distribution for the administration of the COVID Vaccine. If the need for us to serve in that capacity arises, WCC will support and assist the Westchester County Department of Health with this public health endeavor. We will follow the lead of the DOH in determining the eligible population. Announcements will be made to our campus community as soon as such a development occurs.
Q: When will students be back to campus? Will they be vaccinated? Will students be required to be vaccinated against COVID 19?
A: Students who are enrolled in a hybrid class are allowed on campus to attend in-person classes as long as they follow protocols established by the WCC Pandemic Response Team, which were developed following the guidance of state and local health officials. It is yet to be determined when the number of students permitted on campus will increase. Regarding student vaccinations, The New York State DOH does not require students to get vaccinated against COVID 19. Although strongly encouraged, there are currently no requirements for students in the Allied Health programs who participate in clinical rotations to be vaccinated.
Q: When can adjunct professors get a vaccine?
A: Adjunct Professors fall into the same categories as full time professors. The Federal Government and the NYS Department of Health are phasing in those who are eligible for the COVID vaccine by categories. Click here, to see if you fall into one of those categories or are eligible for the vaccine.
Q: What happens if someone has had the first shot and then they run out of vaccine?
A: Currently, vaccine distributors are supplied with vaccines labeled as first doe and second doses. They are prohibited from utilizing vaccines deemed as “second doses” as a first dose. Therefore, it is unlikely that second doses will run out.
Q: If the first vaccine is Moderna and they run out, can your second shot be Pfizer?
A: Although the vaccines are similar in their makeup, using a combination of the both of them is not recommended. Further research is needed.
Q: What is the difference between the first shot you are given and the second?
A: The first dose and second dose of your Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine should be exactly the same, both chemically and from a dosage standpoint.
Q: It was mentioned that if you had COVID-19, you should wait 90 days before getting the vaccine. Is that 90 days from infection? From recovery?
A: That would be 90 days from the date of the positive COVID test.
Q: Are there any advantages to patients of one type of vaccine over the others?
A: There are no known advantages at this point of one over the other (Pfeizer vs. Moderna) as the efficacy rate of those two vaccines is almost exactly the same.
Q: How long will the vaccine’s protection last? Will we need a new shot each year?
A: It is too soon to know how long a vaccine will last. It is currently being researched. Of the people who have received the vaccine, we know that they have been protected from COVID-19 for at least 4 months.
Q: If one is in a qualified category, what’s the best strategy for getting a vaccine appointment?
A: The availability of the vaccine is still limited as is the current supply both state and nationwide. The best strategy for getting a vaccine is to check the NYS DOH website frequently, here.
Check in with your local pharmacy on a regular basis as there is an expectation that they will be getting supplies of the vaccine in the near future.
Q: Is this vaccine recommended for teenagers? Children?
A: Pfizer’s vaccine has been authorized for ages 16 and up. Moderna’s vaccine is currently authorized for ages 18 and up. Both companies have begun clinical trials for younger children
Q: When can faculty who face students get vaccinated?
A: Faculty who teach in person are currently eligible for the vaccine as they fall into Category 1b. Check the NYSDOH website for further details.
Q: How would someone make an appointment with the County Dept. of Health to get a vaccine?
A: Currently, appointments for the COVID vaccine are difficult to obtain due to a limited supply of the vaccine. It is best to keep checking the NYSDOH website and local pharmacies who receive supplies on an ongoing basis.