Dentists in NYC and their staffs are getting vaccinated?

Health care workers waiting for vaccine at Worth St. site.

 

While an Article in the Wall Street Journal highlights the difficulties doctors who are not on a hospital staff, have in obtaining a vaccine, it has become increasingly possible as time goes on. While the process can be somewhat serpentine, it is possible to get vaccine  appointment, by going to various websites and finding one that has available appointments. In my case, I spoke to colleagues, who pointed me to websites that were giving out appointments. Initially, when I tried using the links I found sites  listed but  then when I contacted them I was informed that either they had no vaccine available for my 1A group. NYU Langone was listed on one of the sites and I called the number and left a message but no one returned my call. 

Eventually after talking with my suite mate he pointed me to the NY State Dept of health site  and explained that he was able to book an appointment on one of the Suffolk County sites in Syosset  and I was able to make an appointment for after work the next day. Unfortunately I was sent an email later that "confirmed" that I had cancelled my appointment. Further more I was advised if I had any questions or needed help to call a specific number. I called and eventually got through and spoke to someone who said " Yeah, I have heard that from several people who complained of their appointments cancellation". I was advised to try booking another appointment ( of course there were no more appointment at that facility. I asked her to have a supervisor get back to me but no one ever did.

This happened on Wednesday and I was starting to get stressed. I spoke to another neighboring dentist, whopointed me to a NYC  department of health website and I was able to book an appointment for the next day at 1:15 PM. This time I was successful and got a Moderna  vaccine at a Worth St location. The people there were nice and it was a pleasant experience. 

 So far the only problem I have experienced is a sore arm. I have tried to get my staff to get vaccinations, but I think they are waiting to see how I do before getting theirs! While I believe that the approved vaccines are safe , we all have to make our own decision and I will not force them. 

I was informed that I should get a follow up vaccine in 30 days ( give or take 4 days) and I was told that I would receive an email letting me know how to schedule this appointment( I haven't gotten this yet). 

Last night I had a study club meeting with dental colleagues and many of them have been vaccinated in the last two weeks. Clearly we are extremely fortunate to have gotten the vaccine and it is my  hope that very soon it  available to others who need it most  (  senior citizens, first responders and those with health conditions that put them in a high risk group). Mean while, it's best for us all to keep our masks on tightly and to remain as safe as we can. Social distancing is still in order and now is not the time to let our guard down.