NYC’s Jacob C. Javits Center has come full circle in the fight against COVID-19.
Back in March, the convention center became a giant field hospital to treat COVID-19 patients, and as of this week, it is now one of New York State’s first mega vaccination sites.
The Center, along with the Westchester County Center and New York State Fair Expo Center, opened on January 13 at 8 a.m. and are being run by the state. Similar sites at Jones Beach and SUNY Albany are also opening this week.
According to NY1, officials said the Javits Center has the capability to give up to 25,000 vaccinations a day, but right now it will only be about 1,000 people each day. That is because there is a limited supply from the federal government.
The Governor’s office stated that the state only receives 300,000 doses per week from the government, but there are over 7 million New Yorkers now eligible for the vaccine.
“Our singular focus is getting shots into arms and with the opening of these state-run sites today, we are doing just that,” Governor Cuomo said.
“We are making the vaccine available based on federal guidance and are continuing to push it out the door quickly and efficiently, but due to the federal government’s limited allocation, appointments are filling up fast. At the end of the day, this is a supply issue and we need the federal government to provide us with more vaccine as quickly as possible because there is simply not enough and this is the weapon that will win the war.”
Currently, the vaccine is available to first responders, education workers, public transit workers, grocery store workers, and those 65 and older (see full list here). New Yorkers can utilize the state’s ‘Am I Eligible’ app or call the New York State Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4VAX (1-833-697-4829).
You must have an appointment in order to receive the vaccine at the Javits Center (or any other NY vaccine site). Appointments to receive the second dose are scheduled in-person after receiving the first dose., and should not be made online.
featured image source: Don Pollard/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo