Dear Mercy Community,
The New York State Department of Health has expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine and provided additional details on the process to schedule appointments. While we are pleased to see this list expanding, we realize that not all groups at Mercy are currently eligible and we are working closely with The Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York (CICU) to advocate for these groups. Please note that vaccines are not currently being offered at any of the Mercy campuses. The College has submitted an application to New York State to be a vaccination site and we await notification of whether we have been approved.
New York State Eligibility (updates in bold):
Eligibility:
- Individuals 65 years or older
- Individuals who are immunocompromised. New York State is working with the CDC to provide a comprehensive list of what constitutes immunocompromised.
- Faculty teaching in-person
- Campus health employees with patient-facing roles (including clinicians, administrative staff, and any others who interact with patients in-person).
- Campus staff who administer COVID-19 tests (those who actually do swabs for sample collection).
- Students on clinical rotations who have patient-facing roles. Only SHNS students who are currently in clinicals are eligible and they will need a letter from their professor stating their eligibility.
- Campus staff/student volunteers who administer COVID-19 vaccines (those actually doing the injections, not solely in administrative roles)
- Individuals who meet the conditions above and work in New York and reside in another state.
- To view a current list of all groups eligible to be vaccinated, .
Process:
- Individuals must confirm eligibility and make a reservation through the New York State website, . Please note that New York State is requiring that individuals receive both doses of the vaccine in the same location.
- For those located in New York City, please use the scheduling tool available .
- For a list of current regional vaccination locations,
- Individuals will need to bring proof of their eligibility to their appointment. Accepted forms of eligibility include an employee ID, pay stub, or letter from Mercy. The College will provide letters of eligibility to bring to your appointment:
- Faculty will receive letters via email verifying that they are teaching TD, TO and BLD courses for spring.
- Staff should contact Human Resources at hr@mercy.edu to receive a letter.
- Students should contact the faculty member overseeing their clinical rotation.
Please be aware that the current demand for doses in New York still outpaces the state’s supply. For more information, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We will continue to provide updates as they are received.
Thank you,
Colleen Powers
Director of Health and Wellness Programs