Adults with one vaccine shot are over 50 percent

YATES COUNTY--In the 22nd week since vaccination efforts have begun, over 50 percent of Yates County residents 18 years and older have received at least one vaccine dose. During the Monday, May 10 Yates County legislative meeting, efforts to increase that number as well as expanding vaccination access to younger age groups were discussed. Yates County Public Health Director Annmarie Flanagan sounded a note of optimism during the meeting and said COVID vaccination numbers seem to be trending in the right direction.
"As of today we are in week 22 of vaccination efforts... (the percentage of vaccinated adults) is a good significant number...(with children 16 and over being vaccinated) we will be seeing those numbers increase," said Flanagan.
At the May 10 meeting, Flanagan said 8,937 Yates County residents have completed their vaccine series and reported the daily COVID update with seven new cases, 105 people in isolation and zero current hospitalizations.
Flanagan said the county health department will step up its outreach to encourage more people to receive their vaccine.
"Turnout has trended downward... We will be doing some efforts to go out to different fire departments across the county to see if we can engage people to come to the smaller units where they may feel more comfortable," Flanagan said. "(We are looking at) other avenues at how to get more vaccine in arms, but at this point [it is] a work in progress."
Despite a decline, Flanagan said the county had no issues finding people for the 25 extra doses of vaccine that was recently available. She added school districts are willing to open their schools for vaccine clinics as children increasingly become eligible.
"We are open to go into the schools on nights and weekends so that parents can go with their children to the clinics," Flanagan mentioned.
The board also voted to approve a local law to adopt a pilot youth deer hunting program. Before the legislature voted on the manner, multiple members of the audience spoke in favor of the program, saying that not only does it encourage conservation but teaches responsible firearm and hunting practices.
The legislature also voted to place Patrick Killen as the legislator representing District 1 until Dec. 31, 2021. Killen had resigned the post, however, intended to run for re-election to the legislature. The vote established Killen in his role immediately, after which Killen took his seat in the legislature and thanked his fellow members for voting for him.
Caiden DeMarco was recognized by the legislature as a Yates County Distinguished Youth.