COVID-19 Vaccine Team, Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health
- Judith Rosenfeld, Supervising Public Health Nurse, and Arlisa Morrison, Public Health Nurse
Judy Rosenfeld and Arlisa Morrison, the COVID-19 Vaccine Team, have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic response. When the COVID-19 vaccine became available, they were instrumental in the vaccine rollout and management of COVID-19 vaccines. They have in-depth knowledge of all clinical aspects of the vaccines including storage and handling, and administration. They have dedicated many hours beyond their regular work schedules to make sure vaccine is available to as many community members as possible. Their work has included ordering vaccine, managing inventory, scrupulous adherence to the cold chain, vaccine preparation and all aspects of NYSIIS reporting. They have packed vaccine according to the rigorous CDC guidelines and traveled to vaccine PODs (point of distribution) sites throughout the county, putting in very long days in all kinds of weather. They have safeguarded the handling of the vaccine, carefully preparing and overseeing vaccine administration, including personally drawing up of thousands of doses of vaccine. They assured quality and safety for the community through the many “Vaccine Administration Skills Check” sessions they held, to ensure the competency of the vaccinators, even if it meant working seven days a week. They have been a resource to their colleagues both within the Department of Behavioral and Community Health, the Dutchess County Medical Reserve Core and healthcare professionals in the community. Throughout COVID-19 response, they continued to provide care to tuberculosis patients, persons exposed to rabies and those in need of immunizations without other resources. Their tireless efforts have been critical to reaching the high rate of COVID-19 vaccination in Dutchess County.
