Opportunities For Otsego

COVID-19 Resources

Community Action Agencies across the country are taking steps to assist with responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in their local communities. To this effort, Opportunities for Otsego is providing this webpage as a one-stop location for Otsego County residents to get information on related issues:

Testing

Vaccines

Travel Restrictions and Guidelines

Know Your Rights

General Resources

Find a Test Site

Click on an icon below to get directions to a testing site in and around Otsego County and details on how to make an appointment.

Home Test Kits

You can order COVID-19 diagnostic collection kits online. After completing an online screening, if testing is necessary, you will be able to place an order for a home test kit. The kit enables you to collect a nasal swab or saliva sample at home and send it to a certified lab for processing. You will receive secure digital results within days.

Pixel by Labcorp: Nasal Swab ($119): Covered by insurance, Federal Funds for those without insurance, or pay out-of-pocket. Must be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have underlying conditions to be eligible for this at-home testing kit.

Vault Health: Saliva Test. ($119): Pay by HSA, FSA, or pay out-of-pocket and submit a request for reimbursement to your insurance company. You can order and take a COVID-19 test regardless of whether or not you're experiencing symptoms. There is a "no symptoms" option you can select when ordering your test.

Hims & Hers: Saliva Test ($150): Pay by credit card. Only people who are currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will be eligible for this at-home testing kit.

Vaccine Distribution & Appointments

Otsego County DOH Vaccine Information Hotline: 607.547.4240. This line is informational only.

Otsego County Local Vaccine Clinic Notification: The Otsego County Department of Health recommends residents download the "Otsego County Department of Health" mobile app to be notified as soon as local COVID-19 vaccination clinics are scheduled. To download the app, search the App Store for "Otsego County Department of Health". The app is FREE TO DOWNLOAD for both Apple and Android products.

Homebound Vaccines: Otsego County DOH will arrange a home visit for Otsego County residents who cannot leave home to get to a vaccine site. Email covidvaccine@otsegocounty.com with the name, physical address, and phone number of the homebound person or call Office for the Aging at 607.547.4232.

Bassett Healthcare: Follow this link for clinic updates and to sign up for the Stand-By list.

Vaccine Finder: Search for local vaccine sites by zip code and vaccine type (e.g. Moderna, Pfizer and J&J).

Find a State-run Vaccination Site: The closest mass vaccination sites are at SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Poly in Utica, SUNY Albany, and SUNY Binghamton. Click this link to schedule an appointment through the "Am I Eligible" portal or call 1.833.NYS.4.VAX.

Now That You Are Fully Vaccinated: CDC guide on how to protect yourself and others

Transportation Assistance

People who have a vaccination appointment but have no way to get to the vaccination site should call ahead to arrange for transportation:

Getthere Mobility Management: Anyone living in Otsego, Delaware, Chenango, Tioga or Broome county. No referral needed. Call 855.373.4040, Monday-Friday between 7:00AM-7:00PM.

Otsego County Office for the Aging & NY Connects: Otsego residents of all ages can call all 607.547.4232 or 607.547.4390.

Vaccine Myths vs. Facts

Johns Hopkins Medicine: COVID-19 Vaccines - Myth Versus Fact

CDC: Facts about Vaccines (English, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Korean, Other Languages)

Six Myths about the COVID-19 Vaccine (Source Children's Health)

Five Facts about Vaccines (Source Peace Health)

Vaccine FAQ

Coping with Vaccine Anxiety (NYS DOH)

COVID-19 Vaccines are Safe and Effective (NYS DOH)

Considerations for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Persons (Source CDC)

How Do mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Work? (Video)

COVID-19 Fast Facts (Source Asante)

COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Should Know

How to Talk About COVID Vaccines with Friends and Family

Know Before You Go

Travel Guidelines

New York COVID-19 Hot Spots

Your Rights Under COVID-19

Protections under New York State and Federal Orders: Paid sick leave; Unemployment; Health care and insurance; Mental health supports; Rent, mortgages and utilities; student loans.

General Resources

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): Approved households receive: Up to 12 months of rental arrears payments for rents accrued on or after March 13, 2020; Up to 3 months of additional rental assistance if the household is expected to spend 30% or more of their gross monthly income to pay for rent; Up to 12 months of electric or gas utility arrears payments for arrears that have accrued on or after March 13, 2020.