CANTON — The end of the COVID-19 public health emergency will not affect the availability, accessibility, or cost of COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters at this time, according to St. Lawrence County Public Health Department officials.

“This is because the supply and distribution of federally purchased vaccines determine access and cost, not the public health emergency, said Jenna Thompson, public health specialist for public health said. “The cost and availability of COVID-19 tests will be dependent on location; community members should contact their primary care physician for more information.”

St. Lawrence County Public Health offers COVID-19 vaccinations every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 315-386-2325 to make an appointment or for more information regarding eligibility.

Walk-ins are welcome as supply lasts. Additionally, COVID-19 tests and face masks are available to the public for free in the lobby of the Human Services building, 80 State Highway 310 Canton, while supplies last.

“While it's a good sign the number of COVID-19 cases has decreased, it's important to remember the threat of the issue still exists. It's essential to take precautions and follow guidelines to prevent further spread,” Thompson said.

In January 2023, the Biden administration announced it planned to end both the COVID-19 public health emergency and the national emergency declarations on May 11, 2023.

The national emergency declaration on COVID-19 ended earlier than announced, on April 10, 2023, and the public health emergency declaration is still set to expire on May 11, 2023. “In times of crisis, the US president has the authority to declare a state of emergency and utilize emergency powers to address the situation, " Thompson said. “It is important to note these powers are temporary and expire once the state of emergency has ended. It's also important to distinguish this from a state-level emergency declaration; New York State has no current emergency declarations.”

It is crucial for individuals to stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 vaccinations, utilize at-home testing if they experience symptoms or have been exposed, avoid going out when feeling unwell, and wear a high-quality mask when the COVID-19 risk is heightened. These measures are strongly recommended by the CDC to ensure the utmost safety for both oneself and loved ones.

Visit https://stlawco.org/Departments/PublicHealth/COVID-19 for updated information.