COVID Vaccine: More Distribution Sites Open Across NYC While New Yorkers Say Appointments Are Vanishing, Being Rescheduled
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Even though more sites for COVID vaccines are opening across New York City, it's still challenging to get a shot.
New Yorkers are raising concerns about confusing websites and vanishing appointments.
The Brooklyn Army Terminal mega vaccination site was locked up tight Saturday, even though it's supposed to be open 24/7.
COVID VACCINE
- New York State book online here or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX
- New York City book online here or call 877-VAX-4NYC
- Nassau County more info here
- Suffolk County more info here
- Westchester County more info here
- New Jersey book online here
- Connecticut book online here
Imagine the surprise of public school teacher Caitlin Palumbo when she showed up.
"I had an appointment today," she told CBS2's Dave Carlin.
Palumbo spoke to a guard at the site, who told her the site was closed and everyone's appointments were rescheduled.
"They said that they've been rescheduled but I have not been notified," Palumbo said. "It's extremely frustrating, the lack of information and transparency."
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
- Ask CBS2's Dr. Max Your Vaccine Questions
- COVID Vaccine FAQ From CDC
- Vaccination Sites In New York City | Call 877-VAX-4NYC
- Find A New York City Testing Site Near You
- Check NYC Testing Wait Times
- Explanation Of N.Y.'s Yellow, Orange, Red Zones (.pdf)
- Resources: Help With Unemployment, Hunger, Mental Health & More
- Remote Learning Tools For Students And Parents At Home
- Complete Coronavirus Coverage
"We thought we were all set. We got confirmation," said Mike Morley, of Carmel in Putnam County.
Morley learned four appointments in a local hospital -- for him, his wife, who is a teacher of children with special needs, and two relatives in their 80s -- disappeared.
So he's forced to start over.
"We have spent day and night since Wednesday trying to get an appointment," Morley said. "All we want is to be able to make an appointment."
Vaccinations began at the Polo Grounds Senior Center in Washington Heights on Saturday morning.
Sixty-five-year-old Juan Rivera lives in Polo Grounds Towers, run by NYCHA, and lined up early for his.
"I'm very happy. We're going in the right direction," he said.
MORE: Mayor Bill De Blasio Warns New York City's COVID Vaccine Supply Could Run Out Next Week
Martha Cheathem was the first in her family to get the shot at one of three centers in NYCHA complexes that opened this weekend.
"I'm glad it went smoothly," she said.
As New Yorkers flock to newly opened sites, it's become clear demand is already outpacing supply.
Earlier this week Mount Sinai said vaccination appointments had to be canceled due to low supply.
Mayor Bill de Blasio made a dire prediction Friday that doses of vaccine could run out by next week, causing the scramble to get one to intensify even more.
MORE FROM CBS NEW YORK
