Erie County Department of Health coordinates COVID-19 vaccine clinics for community in October

Sites set for Bowmansville Fire Department (Town of Lancaster), Elim Christian Fellowship (City of Buffalo), and Chestnut Ridge Casino (Town of Orchard Park)

ERIE COUNTY, NY - Erie County is announcing community COVID-19 vaccines in October, available for any resident age 6 months and older.

"Pharmacy closures have left patients with fewer options to access vaccines, including the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine formulation. Federal guidance for vaccines has been frustrating and inadequate, but we are fortunate that the New York State Department of Health, in collaboration with seven other states, has stepped into that information gap with clear and science-based recommendations," said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. "Public health and safety have always been priorities for my administration, and our vaccine clinics are also here to fill that community need, providing convenient access to COVID-19 protection."

"Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 remains one of the most effective ways to protect your health and our community's health," said Erie County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. "If you are eligible, please take this important step to protect your health as we approach respiratory illness season. Despite what misinformation agents online will try to tell you, vaccines are a miracle of modern medicine and safely train your immune system to recognize and defeat viruses like COVID-19. COVID-19 infections peak in early fall and during the winter, so now is the time to get vaccinated!"

People ages six months and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccine. Prescriptions are not needed. Please contact your doctor with specific questions about your health and risks for COVID-19 illness.

Patients should bring their health insurance card and photo ID. People without insurance will be able to receive a vaccine at no cost. Children under 18 years old will need a parent or legal guardian with them. A full and updated schedule with registration options will be available at https://www.erie.gov/vax on Monday, September 29 at 12 p.m., and appointments are strongly suggested. Walk-ins are also welcome at these sites.

Wednesday, October 8, 2-6pm

Bowmansville Fire Company, 36 Main St., Bowmansville, NY 14026

Monday, October 13, 2-6pm

Elim Christian Fellowship, 70 Chalmers Ave., Buffalo, NY 14214

Thursday, October 16, 2-6pm

Chestnut Ridge Casino, 6121 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Orchard Park, NY 14127

Erie County will announce additional vaccine clinic dates based on demand.

Erie County is following the COVID-19 vaccine recommendations put forth in September 2025 by the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, of which New York State is a part. These guidelines are in line with American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians science-based recommendations.

Vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended for all children 6-23 months

All children ages 6-23 months should be vaccinated.

Recommendations for vaccination against COVID-19 for children 2-18 years

• Children and adolescents ages 2-18 years who fall within one of the following subgroups should be vaccinated:
  • At high risk for severe COVID-19 (See NYSDOH web site)
  • Living in a long-term care facility or other congregate setting
  • Have never been vaccinated against COVID-19
  • Whose household members are at high risk for severe COVID-19

Healthy children and adolescents 2-18 years, who do not fall into the categories above, may be vaccinated. AAP recommends that children 2-18 years of age whose parent or guardian desires protection from COVID-19 for their child should be offered COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended for all adults 19-64 years

All adults 19-64 years are recommended to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This includes the following groups of adults 19-64 years at high risk of COVID-19 exposure or complications should be vaccinated:

• Persons with risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease (e.g., chronic conditions, immunocompromised status)
• Persons at higher risk of exposure (e.g., healthcare workers, congregate care settings)
• Persons who are who are household contacts of persons at high risk of severe disease

Vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended for all adults 65 years or older

All adults 65 years and older should be vaccinated.

Vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended for all pregnant persons

People who are pregnant, contemplating pregnancy or have recently been pregnant and those who are lactating should be vaccinated.

• Vaccination may occur in any trimester.
• For lactating individuals, there is no need to stop or delay breastfeeding.
• There is no need to delay pregnancy following a COVID-19 vaccine.

Immunocompromised individuals should have a conversation with their primary care provider about additional doses needed.