COVID Vaccine Shortage: NYC Postpones First Dose Appointments Until Next Week, 15 Vaccine Sites Remain Closed
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The high demand for COVID vaccinations is putting stress on New York's supply of doses.
"We will, by the end of today, fully utilize all of the dosages that have been delivered. Week six dosages are being delivered as we speak," said Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Meantime, Mayor Bill de Blasio is calling for flexibility in administering second doses. The mayor says nearly 65,000 doses are being held for second injections, which won't be administered for another two or three weeks.
More: New York City Temporarily Closes 15 Vaccine Hubs, Cancels Thousands Of Appointments Due To Shortage
"So, in effect, from my point of view, an artificial reserve that they're being held in a way that unfortunately keeps them from being used for first doses of folks who need some protection right away," de Blasio said.
The mayor says if second doses are delayed by a week or two, it doesn't change the basic equation of immunity.
First dose appointments have been postponed until next week and at least 15 vaccine sites remain closed in New York City.
De Blasio says he's in communication with the Biden administration.
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
"I've already been talking with leaders in the Biden administration about both maximizing supply, which clearly they want to do in very different ways than the Trump administration, but also giving us a lot more freedom and flexibility. Particularly giving us the ability to use our reserves second doses right now to give people who need that first dose, that first opportunity to get some protection, " de Blasio said.
"We need 400,000 doses every single week if we are going to get to herd immunity by the middle of this year so we can have something like a normal summer," said City Councilman Mark Levine, who chairs the Health Committee.
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
A spokesperson for President Joe Biden says the administration is taking steps to clearly communicate with states on allocation and delivery.
More From CBS New York:
- Exclusive: Woman Brutally Attacked At Harlem Liquor Store Says Suspect Tried To Bite Her Eye Out: 'That's An Animal. That's Not A Person'
- Stimulus Check Update: When Could The Third Payment Arrive?
- Christian Koch, Steven Skoda, Daniel Prial Identified As National Guard Troops Who Died In Upstate Helicopter Crash
