Press Releases

The Oneida County Health Department announced extended vaccination clinic hours in both Utica and Rome. The clinics will take place at the following locations and times:

• OCHD Rome Clinic, 100 W. Dominick Street, Rome on
  
  • Tuesday, September 15^th from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 6th from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 13th from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• OCHD Utica Clinic, 406 Elizabeth Street, Utica on
  • Thursday, September 17^th from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday, September 23rd from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, September 24^th from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 1^st from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 8^th from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A bat and a raccoon have tested positive for rabies in Chadwicks and Westmoreland, exposing two people and two dogs.

The bat tested positive for rabies in Chadwicks. It was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on August 24, 2026, and positive results were reported on August 25, 2026. The bat was located at an individual’s residence.  One person was exposed to the bat and is receiving post-exposure prophylaxis

The Oneida County Health Department announced car seat safety events that will be co-hosted with the Sheriff’s Office.

The events will take place at the following locations and times:

• Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company, 5476 Trenton Road, Utica on September 24 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Griffiss International Airport (Airport Operations Building), 706 Hangar Road, Rome on October 8 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Free car seats will be available to eligible parents/legal guardians who are in need of a car seat. Appointments are required. For those already in possession of a car seat, a certified technician can be available to check that it is installed properly, also by appointment only. There are no eligibility requirements for car seat checks.

A bat has tested positive for rabies in New Hartford. The bat was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on July 27, 2026, and positive results were reported on July 31, 2026. Three humans were exposed to the bat and receiving post-exposure prophylaxis.

A raccoon has tested positive for rabies in Whitesboro. The raccoon was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on July 15, 2026, and positive results were reported on July 16, 2026. Two humans were exposed to the raccoon.

An air quality index alert that was issued for today, July 15, 2026, in Oneida County has been extended through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026. The air quality continues to remain unhealthy for everyone. In response to the air quality index alert, free KN95 masks are available at the Oneida County Office Building (first floor), 800 Park Avenue, Utica, and at the Oneida County Department of Social Services, 300 W. Dominick Street, Rome, during normal business hours. Those with health conditions increasing the risk of adverse health effects are encouraged to wear a mask when outside.