Important Student COVID-19 Vaccination Information

Dear Students and Families, 

We write to share the news that beginning Tuesday, April 6, New Yorkers age 16 and older can begin to schedule appointments and get vaccinated against COVID-19. All Skidmore students will be eligible to schedule vaccination appointments in New York, and a Skidmore ID will serve as partial proof of New York residency (see below for additional requirements).  

We strongly encourage all eligible students to get vaccinated as soon as possible, regardless of which vaccine is available or which provider is offering the appointment. Given the timing in the semester, however, it is important to make sure that students will be able to return to the original vaccination site for their second dose. 

Students may visit the New York State COVID-19 vaccine website for more information. Answers to frequently asked questions regarding eligibility, scheduling and other topics are also available on the New York State FAQs page. 

How to Make Your Vaccine Appointment

• Beginning April 6, visit the New York State COVID-19 vaccine website to determine your eligibility, find a list of New York state-operated vaccination sites and availability, and schedule your appointment.
• Local pharmacies are also beginning to offer vaccine appointments, and students can search for availability using the Vaccine Finder website. 
• Check these websites frequently and be persistent when searching for appointments. Availability and parameters vary hourly and daily. A site or pharmacy that is filled at one moment may have openings minutes later. 
• Please note: Appointments are required. If you visit a location without an appointment, you will not receive a vaccine.

What to Bring to Your Vaccine Appointment

• Individuals with registered appointments at vaccination sites operated by New York State must present sufficient ID and proof of eligibility for the vaccine.
• If an individual is eligible due to their age, they must produce proof of age and proof of residency in New York.
• Proof of age can include any of the following: a driver’s license or non-driver ID; birth certificate issued by a state or local government; current U.S. passport or valid foreign passport; permanent resident card or certificate of naturalization or citizenship.
• To prove New York residence, an individual must show:
  • One of the following: State or government-issued ID; consulate ID (if New York address is displayed); statement from a landlord; current rent receipt or lease; or mortgage records;
  • OR Two of the following: Statement from another person; current mail; school records. A student ID and a piece of mail with your address is sufficient for this purpose.
• If you are receiving your vaccine at a pharmacy or other location, please follow all appointment and verification instructions from that provider.  

How to Travel to Your Vaccine Appointment

• Currently, mass vaccination sites are located some distance from Saratoga Springs and availability fluctuates. The Aviation Mall in Queensbury is the closest mass vaccination site for students (about 20 miles north of Saratoga Springs).
• Any student who submits proof of a vaccination appointment and has a valid driver’s license is eligible to use a Skidmore fleet vehicle to travel to vaccination appointments.  
• To use a fleet vehicle, students must first submit proof of a vaccination appointment to Facilities. They must then register to become an authorized driver. The verification process can take 48 to 72 hours, so please plan accordingly. Once registered as an authorized driver, students will be able to reserve a vehicle to drive to their appointment. 

What to do After Your Vaccine Appointment

• Health Services asks all Skidmore students who have been fully vaccinated to submit a screenshot of your CDC vaccination status card so we can track vaccination rates in our community.
• Students should store their vaccination card and any other relevant paperwork in a safe location. If you receive the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, you will need to bring the card with you to your second dose appointment. 
• Following vaccination, students must continue to observe all health and safety guidelines, including social distancing, mask wearing and weekly testing. 

Please know that the College has explored and will continue to explore options for accessing and allocating vaccine doses to members of our community. In partnership with Saratoga County health officials, we may be provided access to very limited vaccine supplies. Should that occur, we will work to distribute the vaccine equitably, beginning with front-line employees, and expand access if and when supplies increase. But the best option as of now for getting vaccinated is to avail yourself of the external vaccine sites. 

Vaccinations are crucial to ending this pandemic and ensuring the health and safety of the entire Skidmore community. Thank you in advance for being a part of this important effort to protect yourself and others. 

Sincerely,  
Skidmore College Health Services