Kinney Drugs and local agencies helping seniors with COVID vaccine appointments

GOUVERNEUR, N.Y. (WSYR) — Kinney Drugs, a pharmacy chain throughout New York and Vermont, announced on Tuesday that it is partnering with the Association on Aging in New York for a 10-week, 21-county pilot program that will give seniors, 65 years and older, the opportunity to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments by phone.

“Securing a vaccination appointment is often too burdensome, especially for seniors who aren’t technologically savvy. Many do not have a caretaker to help them navigate this process, so it’s important that we assist these seniors in securing a vaccine. Being an already vulnerable population, they need us to be there for them. Bringing vaccine closer to their communities will be critical to protecting them against this virus and eventually ending this pandemic,” said Dr. John Marraffa of Kinney Drugs’ parent company.

The vaccine clinics will begin the second week of March.

To date, COVID-19 vaccination appointments have been mostly made available through online scheduling systems and, as a result, some seniors have had challenges securing their shot. This pilot program will test a simple and practical solution for seniors. Kinney, the Association on Aging in New York, and local Offices for the Aging will provide this much-needed service.

“The ability to partner with Kinney Drugs to ensure our most vulnerable older residents are able to secure appointments with the assistance of trained office for the aging staff is paramount to vaccine equity. We are thrilled to offer this program, and to move forward in collaboration with Kinney’s on this innovative model of care,” said Becky Preve, Executive Director, Association on Aging in New York.

Interested seniors should contact their local county Office for the Aging for appointments at upcoming clinics to be held in the following counties around the greater Capital Region.