Vaccine rates stuck with 20-40% still unvaccinated in Finger Lakes region

New York – Last week Ontario and Wayne counties reported some of their highest numbers to date in the pandemic. In nearby Cayuga County, which is technically located in Central New York’s reporting district, a similar situation is unfolding- with rising positive cases.

According to health officials, part of the issue is a lack of full vaccination. Whether that be caused by vaccine hesitancy, or by springtime vaccines no longer being effective – booster shots and full-immunity are being recommended.

Especially heading into the Thanksgiving travel week.

Here’s how the rate of vaccination looks among Finger Lakes counties (as of November 20 – people with at least one dose):

– Cayuga: 59.1%

– Ontario: 80%

– Schuyler: 67.6%

– Seneca: 60.2%

– Tompkins: 83.2%

– Wayne: 77.2%

– Yates: 64.6%

According to the data show, even in communities with the highest adoption rate of the COVID-19 vaccine, upwards of 15-25% of the population remains unvaccinated.

“Extremely frustrating that we must spend so much time defending public health and practices to see false information and the fact that people believe it,” Wayne County Health Deputy Director Kerry Vanauken said.

Lack of vaccinations, as well as the continued spread of COVID-19, are two items that have made preparing for the holidays more stressful.