On Sunday, Governor Andrew Cuomo provided an update on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution in the state.
The State’s vaccine supply is determined by the federal government, and although more than 7 million New Yorkers are now eligible for the COVID vaccine, next week, the state will receive only 250,000 doses from the federal government. To date, New York’s health care distribution sites have administered 83 percent of doses received from the federal government. These sites administered an additional 73,336 doses over the prior 24-hour period.
“We are in a footrace to get the vaccine into the arms of eligible New Yorkers as quickly and equitably as possible,” Governor Cuomo said. “However, we now have 7 million New Yorkers vying for a fraction of doses made available to use by the federal government. We need Washington to step up and increase New York’s supply to make sure everyone who wants the vaccine has the opportunity to get it.”
Since federal supply severely limits the ability to distribute vaccines, New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment. New York’s vast distribution network and large population of eligible individuals far exceed the vaccine supply coming from the federal government. Next week, New York is only receiving 250,000 doses from the federal government for a universe of over 7 million people who are eligible.
To date, New York’s health care distribution sites have administered 83 percent of doses received from the federal government but due to the federal government’s limited allocation, appointments have filled up quickly. New Yorkers are being urged to call your local health department, pharmacy, doctor or hospital for additional information and to schedule appointments. To determine eligibility and schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site, visit the ‘Am I Eligible’ website.
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