With the approval of a third vaccine and a production partnership to make more doses, the effort to vaccinate people is ramping up around the country.

And Sullivan County is no exception, as it held its first vaccination clinic at SUNY Sullivan Wednesday.

But the county has faced some challenges.

”In the rural areas, we have a particular disadvantage because we have not been getting as much vaccine as the larger counties,” says Nancy McGraw, Sullivan County public health director.

Sullivan County has one of the lowest vaccination percentages in the state.

According to the New York COVID-19 vaccine tracker, only 11% of county residents have received at least the first COVID-19 dose.

“And we are certainly capable of getting out up to 600 to 800 per day, if we need to. We just haven’t been getting the vaccine,” McGraw said.

When more vaccines become available, SUNY Sullivan will be ready.

“Today, we’re training student nurses from SUNY Sullivan who are going to be volunteering with us,” McGraw said.

While the county's vaccination percentage may be low right now, not everyone has had trouble signing up.

“The school gave us a link. We were lucky to get it,” says Angela Padhiar, a school social worker.

Residents can sign up to be notified about future vaccine clinics on the county website.

McGraw says the county is also expanding vaccine outreach and accessibility to underserved communities. Residents without internet access can call the emergency community assistance center at (845) 807-0925.