Joyce Wethers is rolling up the sleeve on her left arm, hoping to set an example. She’s preparing to get the COVID-19 vaccine here at SUNY Schenectady.

“I’m trying to talk a lot of my friends into getting it. My sister for one,” Wethers said.

She is hoping by receiving the inoculation, it’ll create more confidence within the black community in getting the vaccine. Wethers says she got the shot just two weeks after registering.

What You Need To Know

  • County Manager Rory Fluman says they have received 500 vaccines for the opening week

  • The plan is to vaccinate about 100 people per day for those eligible in Phase 1a and 1b

  • Fluman says the site can administer a thousand doses daily if there’s enough supply

“If it’s meant for me to have it, I’m going to get it. If not, I’ll drop dead tomorrow,” Wethers said. “But I said I want to live as long as possible.”

Wethers was one of about 100 people to receive the Moderna vaccine on Monday at the county’s new point of distribution here at the college. County Manager Rory Fluman says they have received 500 vaccines for the opening week.

“We would love to vaccinate every single person who is 65 and older,” Fluman said.

But he says that’s a challenge right now because they are just not getting enough doses. According to Fluman, this site can administer 1,000 doses daily if there’s enough supply.

“We have over 4,000 willing people in Schenectady County to receive the vaccination,” Fluman said. “So, it’s slow, but sure, but we’re moving forward.”

This is by appointment only. Those looking to get vaccinated will have to register on the county’s website.

Leonard Van Slyke, 77, says his pastor registered for him. He recently got a call back and received a shot shortly after.

“A little bit of pain, but that’s normal,” Van Slyke said.” So it’s fine. It went very smoothly.”

Van Slyke says he’s looking forward to the second shot in just a few weeks, which will also be done here.

If the resupplies keep coming, Fluman says this site will remain here and eventually move outside when the weather is warmer. He’s hoping by that point, it’ll be more ramped up.