Sullivan County has some of the highest COVID-19 cases in the state, and the county recently opened vaccine clinics for kids ages 5 to 11.

Judith Perez Escoto wasted no time taking her children as soon as she heard Sullivan County was offering the vaccine to kids. Escoto is fully vaccinated and recently got her booster shot. She says it’s important to get her family vaccinated before the holidays.

What You Need To Know

  • Sullivan County has had almost 20% of COVID-19 related deaths occur within the last three months

  • According to new research from GoodRx, more than 40% of counties are pharmacy deserts, where most people have to drive more than 15 minutes to reach nearby pharmacies

  • More than 9% of counties don’t have enough health care providers

“Ever since even before the vaccines were even available for adults, I was thinking more of my kids and how to better protect them other than just masks,” said Escoto.

Medical staff in Sullivan County say they believe access to vaccination sites may be a contributing factor as to why the county’s rates are so low.

“We understand that we're a rural county and that there's transportation issues,” said Sullivan County Director of Patient Services Karen Holden, “so we're trying to make it as accessible to people as possible and also meet the schedules and the needs that they have for themselves and their family.”

According to Holden, Sullivan County has had almost 20% of COVID-19 related deaths occur within the last three months, some of the highest numbers since the spring.

“So a little over 45,000 people in the county have gotten at least one of the vaccines. That's about 60%,” said Sullivan County epidemiologist Haley Motola. “So it's still really low, the entire population. So, of course, people are going to be gathering; they're going to be with their families. It is absolutely vital that people take proper precautions.”

The problems in Sullivan County are problems happening across New York. In more rural areas, counties lack adequate healthcare infrastructure.

According to new research from GoodRx, more than 40% of counties are “pharmacy deserts,” where most people have to drive more than 15 minutes to reach nearby pharmacies. More than 9% of counties don’t have enough health care providers.

Escoto is relieved to have gotten her children vaccinated.

“I feel more comfortable sending them off to school and being out in public, and just waiting for the next second dose,” said Escoto.