Upstate Medical University offers vaccine-information hotline

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Upstate Medical University announced it has launched a COVID-19 vaccine-information hotline, offering round-the-clock access to Upstate staff who can field questions on the available vaccines designed to combat the virus.

To reach the hotline, call 315-464-3979 and select option 2.

In addition to the hotline, people are welcome to email questions to CovidVaccineInfo@Upstate.edu. Staff will respond within 24 hours, per Upstate Medical.

The hotline can provide answers for “commonly-asked questions” about vaccine safety, reinforce information on New York’s phased approach to vaccine distribution, and provide tips on how to find an appointment based on availability in a caller’s area.

“Upstate staff will help individuals navigate the registration and self-screen processes involved in registering for a Covid vaccination,” Joey Angelina, hotline co-director, said in a statement. “Not everyone has the skills needed to register themselves online or understands the process of an electronic template for appointments. Having someone to help guide you through this process is invaluable to the public.”

With so much information shared and posted on social media about the available vaccines, it’s “critical to provide the public with access to clear information,” according to hotline co-director Michele Caliva.

“We encourage anyone from the community to call the hotline so we can help sort out the information around topics such as eligibility, where to receive the vaccine, as well as questions surrounding safety and efficacy of the vaccine,” said Caliva. “We have trained staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and we want to hear from you.”