POTSDAM — The state mass COVID-19 vaccination site at SUNY Potsdam’s Maxcy Hall began closing Monday (June 21), after the state reported that 70 percent of New Yorkers have received at least the first dose of vaccine.

The site provided the majority of vaccinations to residents of St. Lawrence County and surrounding areas while open, and even drew New York residents from downstate to open appointments over the last few months.

The Potsdam site is one of several mass vaccination sites that began downscaling their operations as the state Health Department shifts its focus to more localized vaccination efforts, said a press release from the governor’s office. The first phase of downscaling will begin with the closing of the mass sites in Corning, Oneonta, Potsdam and York College.

Over the course of weeks and months, a number of sites will downscale based on demand, proximity to other vaccination sites, and other locally focused efforts. The transition reflects the State's plan to focus resources on areas where zip code data shows the vaccination rate is lower than the statewide average, the press release said.

Earlier this month, the state announced a series of pop-up vaccination sites will open in areas with lower vaccination rates, building on the State's commitment to make the vaccine accessible in all communities across the state. New York State is expanding this program and will open additional sites in the coming weeks, said the press release.

New Yorkers are encouraged to continue to utilize the Am I Eligible tool to make appointments and check on the availability of vaccine at State-run mass vaccination sites. All open sites continue to offer walk-in vaccinations for all eligible individuals.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker Dashboard is available to update New Yorkers on the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine and includes vaccination data by zip code.