Changes in NYC’s covid vaccination program are coming so fast that it’s hard to keep up.
So here’s the latest on who’s eligible, where you can get vaccinated, how to schedule, the impact of the supply shortage, and more… 1/
Who is eligible for vaccination now in NYC?
* In addition to previously eligible groups of essential workers (healthcare, transit, education etc) and all aged 65+, restaurant workers and taxi drivers are now eligible. Here’s the exhaustive list: www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid… 2/
What about those with underlying conditions?
* This group will be eligible beginning Feb. 15. The State has released the list of qualifying conditions (see below), but there are still details not yet confirmed. e.g. whether neurological conditions include ALS, epilepsy etc. 3/
What proof of underlying conditions will be required?
* This has yet to be announced. (My own belief is that it should be via self-attestation, since requiring medical documentation could have the effect of blocking out some vulnerable people.) 4/
If I qualify based on my job, what documentation will I need?
* Work ID, pay stub, or letter from employer. Some providers seem to require the letter be notarized (This is not actually mandated, and makes the barrier too high, especially for undocumented New Yorkers). 5/
Does NYC have enough vaccine for all those eligible?
* Not yet. As of 2/15 there will be 4 million+ people eligible in NYC. We’re only receiving 120k doses/wk. This supply is expected to increase in March. Meanwhile the severe appointment shortage will unfortunately continue. 6/
Where’s the best place to start for an appt?
* Start by checking w/ your regular doc/clinic, they often have connections to scheduling systems. This will be even more appropriate for those w/ underlying conditions (& is why we need to get more vax supply to medical providers). 7/
Is there a single place that lists everywhere to get a vaccine in NYC?
* Unfortunately, the answer is still no. The closest thing is the City’s vaccine finder map vaccinefinder.nyc.gov. But it’s missing some private hospitals, independent pharmacies, and State sites. 8/
Is there anywhere that tells me all available appts citywide?
* The closest is a site run by an amazing group of volunteers, nycvaccinelist.com. You can also follow twitter accts such as @nycshotslots or @turbovax. (And yes--again!--it’s crazy the City isn't doing this). 9/
Is there a way to know which vaccine is being used at a given site?
* Yes, the city’s vaccine finder (vaccinefinder.nyc.gov) lists whether sites use Pfizer or Moderna. 10/
Are pharmacies offering covid vaccination in NYC?
* Yes, and the list is growing (Pharmacies are only for aged 65+)
What about independent pharmacies?
* Yes, 70+ are now vaccinating in NYC. But unfortunately there is no centralized list of locations. Your best bet is to call your local pharmacy. (And yes it’s crazy NYC doesn’t have a single, unified covid vaccination scheduling system!) 12/
What about Yankee Stadium?
* This site is open to all residents of the Bronx in any of the qualifying categories. There are 15,000 appointments per week, so this is an incredible resource for people in the Bronx. To schedule: somosvaccinations.com or 1-833-SomosNY. 13/
What about the Washington Heights Armory?
* This is open to residents of NYC aged 65+, w/ 60% of slots reserved for people in select zip codes (see below). 10k appts/wk. Senior centers uptown also have blocks of appts for people they serve. Sign-up: vaccinetogetherny.org/Pages/default.…. /14
How do I get the appt for my 2nd dose?
* Ideally providers will book this for you when you get your 1st shot. Some will call/email you after. For City-run sites, there is now an easier way to go online and schedule your 2nd appt yourself, by visiting: vax4nyc.nyc.gov. 15/
Is there free transportation to vaccine sites?
* Yes. If you are 65+ w/ a confirmed vaccine appt and need help getting to your vaccination site, the City has transportation options available. Call 877-VAX-4NYC. 16/
When will add’l groups be eligible?
* Timing uncertain, but there are groups of workers that should be added asap: mail delivery, sanitation, food banks, animal shelter staff, nail salon workers etc. And it is indefensible that most incarcerated NYers are still not eligible. 17/
Is there a way I can track how many people have been vaccinated in my neighborhood?
* No! The City is withholding this critical information, which hinders our view of the deep inequality in vaccination in NYC. This data needs to be made public immediately. 18/
So...how is NYC doing on vaccination??
* Better, but still only 3% have received a 2nd dose. We have a looong way to go for herd immunity. We also need to address deep inequality that’s leaving Black & Latino NYers behind. We have to fight hard to do this faster and fairer. 19/19
In case you missed it, check out the video of our Q&A on inequity in vaccination in NYC, and what we need to do to fix it, with Dr. @uche_blackstock and @CnDelarosa.
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BREAKING: NYC releases, for first time, data on race/ethnicity of those who have been vaccinated so far.
As feared, reveals picture of profound inequality.
White: 48%
Black: 15%
Latino: 15%
Asian: 11%
We need dramatic action NOW to fix this.
Approx a quarter of the those vaccinated in NYC don't live here. Demographics for this group are even more lopsided:
White: 59%
Black: 11%
Latino: 10%
Asian: 7%
Here is the full breakdown on demographics of those vaccinated in NYC, will now be updated daily on NYC Dept. of Health website. www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid…
So here is the latest on the who, how, and where of getting vaccinated…
1/
How has the supply shortage affected appts?
* There was a wave of cancellations in NYC last week. Some sites temporarily closed & others have paused new scheduling. But vaccination continues at many locations & NYC is expected to receive a shipment of approx 100k doses on Tue. 2/
Do the supply problems put appointments for 2nd shots in jeopardy?
* No. NYC sets aside a large separate stock for 2nd doses (200k+). 3/
There are alarming signs that covid vaccination in NYC is disproportionately leaving behind people of color.
** We need to see data on the racial breakdown of vaccinations.**
And we need to take action now to fix yet another egregious case of inequity in this pandemic. 1/
Many mistakes are leading to racial inequity in NYC's vaccine roll-out:
* Eligibility that leaves out key groups of essential workers
* Too few sites in communities of color * Inadequate trust-building efforts
* A scheduling system that is incredibly difficult to navigate 2/
Equity demands that we extend vaccine eligiblity to include groups that have been left out:
* Food delivery
* Restaurant workers
* Taxi drivers
* Amazon warehouse workers
* Mail/parcel carriers
* Incarcerated people
3/
BREAKING: NYC Health Dept. is closing its 15 vaccination hubs Thurs & Fri due to lack of supply from fed gov't.
Approx 22k appointments will be rescheduled for next week. No new appointments being added until there is more certainty on supply.
This is the mess Trump left us.
Supply varies among providers. Public hospital sites and many private clinics are still vaccinating Thurs & Fri. If you haven't received a message that your appointment has been canceled assume it's still on.
UPDATE: All appointments at NYC Health Dept vaccine hubs through SUNDAY 1/24 will be rescheduled
Appmts will be resched'd for exactly one week from original date.
All appmt holders have received an email, & will receive a call from the vaccine call center to help w/ scheduling.
New developments in NYC’s vaccination program are coming fast and furious.
Here’s the latest on who can get vaccination, where and when sites are open, and how to schedule.
1/
In addition to healthcare & nursing homes, new groups now eligible are:
* aged 75+
* teachers & education workers (includes childcare...still unclear if this includes higher ed)
* first responders & public safety workers (includes correction officers)
* public transit workers
2/
All groups can go to any public vaccination site.
There’s a new website to find a place near you to get the vaccine: vaccinefinder.nyc.gov
(There is still a patchwork of different scheduling systems for various providers which is a problem and needs to be fixed.)
3/