Nassau Reaches New Milestone With 85% Of Adults Vaccinated

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Nassau County has reached a new milestone in its fight against the coronavirus, with 85 percent of adults now having received at least one dose of a vaccine — the highest percentage in New York state.

Nassau is also setting nation-wide standards, officials say. In addition to having the highest vaccination rate among all 62 New York counties, Nassau has the third-highest vaccination rate in the nation among counties with populations of 1 million or more. It is behind King County, Washington and Alameda County, California.

“Nassau County has led the way in vaccinations since Day 1, and we’re committed to protecting our progress and building on it," said County Executive Laura Curran. "The vaccine is saving lives every day. If you haven’t rolled up your sleeve yet, now is the time.”

Overall, 71.4 percent of the county's total population has received at least one dose.

But the high vaccination rate doesn't mean the fight against the coronavirus is over. The county is working to get more young people vaccinated before the school year starts. The county created a student vaccination initiative which trained students to act as ambassadors to encourage their friends and classmates to get the shot. According to the county, the program drew national attention, and county officials have been contacted by health departments in other areas of the country for guidance on how to do a similar program.

Getting vaccinated is still the best way to prevent contracting COVID-19, and reducing the severity of symptoms if you do get the virus.

“I am beyond proud of our residents for rising to the challenge and getting the job done," said Curran. "Nassau’s success has truly been a team effort, and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to our County’s medical professionals, frontline workers, Health Commissioner Lawrence Eisenstein and Nassau’s Department of Health staff, and the many community members who’ve worked tirelessly to save lives.”

Click here to get more information about the coronavirus vaccine, and to set up your appointment to get the shot.