The Putnam County Department of Health vaccinated 251 people against COVID-19 yesterday during its first vaccination drive.  Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell says the clinic was not open to the public, but only by appointment to those living or working in facilities run by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, Office of Mental Health, and Office of Addiction Services and Support. 

Groups of those pre-approved for vaccination lined up at a safe social distance outside the Carmel Friendship Center on Old Route 6 in Carmel waiting for their turn. After they received their shots, they were watched for 15 minutes to make sure they did not have an adverse reaction.

The health department ran the clinic with support from local law enforcement, EMS and volunteers.

Because of the limited vaccine supply, the state has given first priority to a broad group of healthcare workers and those in living in nursing homes or other congregate care.  The county health department received 600 Moderna vaccines from the state on Tuesday. It will hold a second clinic on Monday for the same population group at the Carmel Friendship Center on Old Route 6 in Carmel.