The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) and Cayuga Health System (CHS) are holding two COVID-19 vaccine clinics during the week of May 3 that Ithaca College students can sign up for.
CHS is holding a Moderna clinic from 8:15 a.m. to noon May 5 at the Shops at Ithaca Mall for anyone over the age of 18. Appointments can be made on the TCHD website, but walk-ins are also welcome. CHS is also partnering with Cornell University to hold a clinic from 1 to 5 p.m. May 6 at the Cornell Bartels Hall vaccination site. The clinic will be using the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine and is open to anyone over 18. Appointments can be made on the TCHD website. There are no walk-in appointments available.
The J&J vaccine was paused in the United States due to six reports of blood clots connected to the vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) resumed the usage of the J&J vaccine April 24. Individuals receiving the vaccine should seek emergency medical care if they experience severe or persistent headaches, shortness of breath, chest pain, blurred vision, persistent abdominal pain, leg swelling, easy bruising or tiny blood spots under the skin near the injection site. TCHD recommends seeking medical care if these symptoms occur within three weeks of vaccination.
The clinics are open to all New York residents or any students who work or study in New York. Individuals who are unable to attend either of these clinics can sign up for the Tompkins County COVID-19 Vaccine Registry to be notified of any available appointments. Ithaca College is requiring students be fully vaccinated prior to returning to campus in Fall 2021, but will honor medical and religious exemptions.
