**Our Department serves as a safety net provider.  This means, if you can't get an appointment at your regular healthcare provider, health center or local pharmacy, we can serve you. 

Decades of research show that vaccines prevent disease. An overwhelming number of studies also show that they are safe and effective. But in recent years, some people have become concerned that vaccines are more dangerous than the diseases they prevent. An aggressive anti-vaccine movement is fueling their fears. Unfortunately, this has led some to delay or avoid vaccination.

It’s also one reason we are seeing the return of so many preventable diseases – like measles, mumps and whooping cough.

As a local health department we must:

• • ensure compliance with all immunization statutes and regulations;

• • assist with and follow-up on school immunization surveys;

• • provide education regarding the risks and benefits of immunizations for consumers;

• • conduct quality assurance activities with community health care providers including immunization practices, proper vaccine storage and handling, and compliance with immunization reporting requirements;

• • ensure proper stewardship of immunization resources and serve as a safety-net immunization provider; and

• • apply cost-based charges and make reasonable attempts to bill and collect fees for immunization services.

Patient Bill of Rights

Notice of Privacy Practice

Statement on Legislation Removing Non-Medical Exemption from School Vaccination Requirements

School Vaccination Requirements - NYSDOH Site Including Frequently Asked Questions

NYS Immunization Requirements for School Attendance Printable

Call for appointments 518-873-3500. 

COVID-19 Vaccine

Please visit our COVID-19 Vax page for the most up to date information

We can bill:

Public Insurance: Medicaid, Medicare Part B, Child Health Plus, Fidelis Managed Care.

Private Insurance: Excellus or CDPHP. 

Present your card at your appointment to receive services at no charge.  If you are not covered by these health insurances we will provide you a receipt for service that you may submit to your insurance company to seek reimbursement.

This Department charges an at-cost rate plus administration fee —our rate/fees are adjusted down using a sliding fee scale based on household income.

COVID-19 - $128 per dose + $25 admin fee = $153.00

Flu vaccine - $18 per dose + $25 admin fee = $43.00

Flu vaccine high dose - $64 per dose + $25 admin fee = $89.00

We can now accept payment with GovPayNet - so you can swipe your debit or credit card here at our office or pay online.

Before you pay with GovPayNet we advise you to read the GovPayNet Fee Schedule and GovPayNet Terms of Service.

Please call our office at 518-873-3500 if you have questions about immunizations, fees or payment.

Top Immunization searches

Current immunization recommendations

School Requirements

Top 20 Questions and Answers About Immunizations 

We also field calls about vaccines and cancer prevention - such as the HPV vaccine.  

Traveler's Vaccine Clinics

Mountain Medical Urgent Care Services call 518-523-7575 or 518-897-1000

Plattsburgh Industrial Med. Testing call 518-562-2009

St. Lawrence County Department of Health Department call 315-386-2325

Warren County Public Health call 518-761-6580

In Vermont, UVM Travel Clinic call 802-847-1045

Traveler's Vaccinations

❄️#getfitessexcounty: The Bands & Boots Challenge

Ready to start fresh? Our January challenge focuses on two simple but powerful pillars: Strength and Movement.

Why Bands? Resistance bands are a great tool for joint-friendly strength. They improve your range of motion and keep your muscles engaged through the entire movement, making them versatile for all fitness levels.

Why Boots? Walking outdoors—even in winter can—boost your mood  and burns more energy as your body adapts to the cold air. Put those boots on and let’s get moving!

No band? No problem—we’ll mail you a FREE set with instructions and a carrying case (while supplies last). Just email your name and address to health@essexcountyny.gov - for videos on fitness band workouts, follow the link https://www.pexels.com/search/videos/resistance%20band/ 

All 2025/2026 COVID-19 updates can be viewed here.

The Office of Cannabis Management’s adult-use cannabis program improves access to safer, tested products for consumers while supporting the foundation of an equitable cannabis industry. The key to learning how cannabis might affect you is understanding different potencies, terpene combinations, and product forms.  Explore the consumer resources available below to learn how cannabis may affect you and tips on safer and responsible cannabis consumption. 

All consumer resources are intended for individuals 21 and over. 

To report an incident

Know the Law

How can a cannabis purchaser tell if they are buying regulated products from a licensed adult-use cannabis dispensary?

To make sure you are purchasing cannabis from a licensed dispensary, here are the steps to take:  

1. After locating a dispensary, look for the Dispensary Verification Tool, which is pictured below.

All licensed dispensaries are issued a Dispensary Verification Tool which is posted in the storefront. Scan the QR code to be directed to OCM's website with a list of all licensed adult-use cannabis dispensaries.

Find a Dispensary 

Get Healthy North Country (gethealthynoco.org) Sign up for online workshops to manage chronic pain.

DYK about our Car seat Program, Breastfeeding Support, Reproductive Health & More? - Go to the Family Health Page to Learn More! 

Sign Up Here for Better Choices Workshop

DYK about our Chronic Disease Self Management Opportunities & Resources? - Go to the Chronic Disease Page to Learn More!