While Putnam County residents have received their first dose of vaccine at a slightly higher rate than the New York State average, County Executive MaryEllen Odell continues to push the state to address gaps in communication and information.  Odell led a regional effort with other area county executives to bring together state lawmakers and call for improved communication from the state along with the needed increase in vaccine supply. 

The percent of New York State Population receiving a first dose is 10.17 percent.  Putnam is 10.98 percent.  That compares to 11.54 percent of Westchester County and 8.31 percent in Dutchess County.

Putnam County health officials are expressing frustration with COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Last Saturday, New York State notified the Putnam County Health Department that an increased shipment of 500 first-dose vaccines would be delivered as eligibility was expanded to include people with comorbidities.  On Sunday, the state did an about face and said Putnam would receive less vaccine than previously stated at just 200 first doses.  As of Tuesday there was no notification of first dose vaccine delivery.  Vaccine tracking showed second-doses expected to arrive Tuesday were re-routed back to Kentucky, due to weather and in order to keep the vaccine at the correct temperature.  as of Tuesday, there was no shipment update for delayed second-dose vaccines. 

Despite this lack of information, Putnam County Health Department says residents will get their second dose within the appropriate timeframe.