Health Department leader urges young adults to get vaccinated

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2021 at 9:44 am

16 and older now eligible for Covid-19 vaccine

BATAVIA – Genesee County officials are urging young adults to get the Covid-19 vaccine because that younger age group has been driving the county’s recent caseload.

“It’s important that residents in these age groups get vaccinated as they are currently comprising a higher percentage of our current infection rates,” Genesee County Public Health Director Paul Pettit said in a news release this morning. “These age groups also are more socially active and as we begin to see restrictions on gatherings becoming more relaxed, the likelihood that infection rates among these age groups will continue to increase. That is why we must continue to be vigilant in preventing the spread by wearing a mask, adhering to social distancing and practicing good hygiene.”

The state on Tuesday made people 16 and older eligible for the vaccine. Last week, the eligibility was lowered from 50 and older to 30 years old and up.

“Following the announcement from last week that anyone 30 years and older is eligible for a vaccination with this announcement is an extremely positive development as it means we are starting to see a steady supply of the vaccine,” said Genesee County Chair Rochelle Stein. “The County is going to be utilizing various ways to get the word out to these age groups about the importance of getting vaccinated, including our social media channels. We also encourage parents and guardians and others in the community to not only get their vaccination, but also encourage those in these younger age groups to get their shots.”

To see a list of vaccination clinics and availabilities in Genesee and Orleans counties, click here.

The Pfizer vaccine is currently the only shot authorized for those 16 and 17 years old. Pfizer is a 2-series dose, 21 days apart. Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the vaccine.

The Moderna vaccination also is a 2-series dose, 28 days apart, and is recommended for people aged 18 and older.