A Go-To Guide to COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments

We recommend continually checking the Finger Lakes Vaccination Hub and the tools listed below for the latest on eligibility for and availability of COVID-19 vaccination appointments in our region.

Check Your Eligibility

As of May 12, health officials announced that individuals who live, work or study in New York State and are over the age of 12 are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccines at vaccination centers and pharmacies throughout our region. Learn more on the New York State Department of Health website.

Schedule an Appointment

If you’re eligible, the next step is to schedule an appointment or to walk in to a location offering the COVID-19 vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccine is now offered at all employed Rochester Regional Health Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and OBGYN offices. For patients with severe allergies, vaccines are also available at all Rochester Regional AIR locations.

New York State has shifted the delivery of vaccine allocations from health care systems to state and county mass vaccination sites, pharmacies, and facilities for groups like veterans and those with developmental disabilities. For more information on vaccine allocation, visit the Finger Lakes Vaccine Hub allocation chart.

You can also check for vaccine availability locally on these websites:

• The New York State vaccination clinic website
• The Monroe County COVID-19 vaccine website
• The Finger Lakes Vaccine Hub

Preparing for Your Appointment

For your appointment, you’ll need:

• Proof of a scheduled appointment
• One form of photo I.D.
• An insurance card, if you have one
• A list of allergies
• Your Medicare Part B card, if you have Medicare

What to Expect at Your Appointment

While at your appointment, please follow all safety protocols to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wear a mask
• Stay socially distant
• Do not attend your appointment if you are sick, have symptoms of COVID-19, or have recent exposure to someone with COVID-19.

Every individual who receives a COVID-19 vaccine in New York State must complete the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form. If you did not do so prior to your appointment, expect to fill one out upon arrival.

At your appointment, you will be provided information on the COVID-19 vaccine you are receiving and you’ll be screened to ensure that it is safe for you to receive the vaccine. At this time, you should also expect to schedule an appointment for your second dose of the vaccine.

After receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, expect to wait in observation for 15-30 minutes to be monitored for immediate allergic reactions.

After Your Appointment

It is not uncommon to experience moderate side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, learn what you can do once you’re vaccinated.