ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Unity Hospital held a vaccination clinic for healthcare workers Saturday morning, days ahead of the beginning of Phase 1B Monday.

“It’s critical that we keep our healthcare workforce as healthy as possible, so they can be here for us,” said Dr. Jeff Allen, a physician with Rochester Regional.

Rochester Regional Health said it has given more than 14,000 vaccinations.

New Yorkers in the upcoming phase include people 75 years of age and older, emergency responders, teachers and health care staff.

With phase 1B starting this Monday, RRH said it will reach out to patients, who are 75 and older, to schedule to get their vaccinations as supply allows.

“It’s very real,” said Sandi Willsey, a local medical social worker. “And to be able to get the vaccine, and to encourage other people to get the vaccine is essential. This is how we get control of it.”

Governor Cuomo has said it would take fourteen weeks to roll out phases 1A and 1B.

“Our community needs to get vaccinated so we can obtain herd immunity, and move on,” Allen added.

VIA ROCHESTER FIRST