Dear COBA Members;

Once again the playing field has changed with regard to the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine for Law Enforcement.

First:

The Nassau County Health Dept has made a push to have as many Uniformed Law Enforcement Officers in the County that wish to receive the vaccine done as soon as possible. Doses have been received through the State and the County has made provisions to have over 600 vaccinations per day administered to Law Enforcment, including approximately 150 Correction Officers per day starting tomorrow Thursday January 21st through Sunday January 24th. Our MCU has already started making those appointments for our Members. This will include in some cases, provisions that can be made to have on duty staff relieved to go and receive the vaccine.

Second:

COBA has received several inquiries from our Members who already had the COVID virus, about when they should receive their vaccines?

There were questions asking if there was a 90 day waiting period after you recovered from COVID before you can be vaccinated? Or, what to do if you contract COVID between the first and second doses of the vaccine?

COBA made inquiries to the Dept of Health who referred us to the CDC Guidelines which state vaguely, that you "may defer vaccination for 90 days", or that you "should defer if you were treated with antibodies during your illness" etc etc.

The simple answer to these inquiries is this:

Any questions you have regarding your own personal health and whether you should receive the vaccine, especially after already having contracted COVID should be directed to your personal physician or medical provider.

While the Union is doing our best to provide our Members with as much information as possible with regard to what is available to them for these voluntary vaccines, we will not direct or advise anyone to make any personal medical decisions regarding the application of these vaccines.

Any and all questions and decisions regarding this vaccine and your personal health should be made between you and your Doctor. Each case is different and COBA would never presume to give you medical advice. All we will do is provide you with the options available to you through your employment with the County.

Lastly:

With that in mind, MCU has advised us late today that there are still appointments for the vaccines available for this upcoming Saturday Jan. 23rd and Sunday Jan. 24th. Call the MCU office at 572-4107. If you are prompted to leave a message, do so with all of your identifying information.

Name, badge number, platoon/unit and especially a reliable call back number.

Stay Healthy and Safe;

Always In Unity;

Brian Sullivan, COBA President