To prepare for the initial vaccine rollout, the city is enrolling providers in the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Citywide Immunization Registry. Over 2,500 providers are currently reporting to the Registry, according to the mayor.
Phase two of distribution will expand efforts to vaccinate the general public. The vaccine will be distributed through a combination of private and public hospitals, health care clinics, community centers, schools, testing sites, pharmacies, and urgent care centers to achieve widespread vaccination. To increase availability, the city will ensure that there is adequate storage and capacity.
“We have to make the vaccine available regardless of people’s ability to pay,” de Blasio said. “It has to be free for those who need it.”
The City will also conduct its own vaccine effectiveness studies and follow up with a sample of New Yorkers who receive the vaccine.
The mayor pointed out that the exact release date for the vaccine is still unknown and the public should not expect a vaccine until “at least a few months into 2021.”
De Blasio predicts that Americans will have a high level of resistance against taking the vaccine but that New Yorkers will be more willing to take it.
“Trust is an essential ingredient for turning a vaccine into a vaccination,” said New York Health Commissioner, Dr. Dave Chokshi.
Before releasing a vaccine, the State of New York will first question the federal government on the vaccine’s safety.
