Gov. Cuomo updates NY's COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, includes retail network when supply increases

The governor says the state is currently getting about 300,000 doses a week but ultimately needs to get 20 million people vaccinated.

News 12 Staff

Jan 6, 2021, 3:15 AM

Updated 1,369 days ago

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Amid complaints that the COVID-19 vaccine distribution in New York is lagging and plagued with confusion, Gov. Andrew Cuomo spoke Tuesday about how the system will operate moving forward and how the state will further distribute as it becomes more widely available.
Cuomo says supply and distribution are key in the next steps for COVID-19 vaccine efforts in New York.
"We hope, pray and expect the supply from the federal government will be increasing," says Cuomo.
The governor says the state is currently getting about 300,000 doses a week but ultimately needs to get 20 million people vaccinated.
Once the supply does increase, Cuomo says a retail network of public distribution will be available for essential workers and the general public to get the vaccine. Those locations are pharmacies, health centers, county health departments, urgent care clinics and private doctors. Cuomo says the state has enrolled 3,700 providers so far.
On Long Island, Cuomo says more than 700 sites have been signed up as part of the retail network of distribution centers.
While Stop & Shop does not yet have the vaccine, the supermarket's pharmacies are signed up to give the shot once it is widely available.
Cuomo also says there will be drive-thru vaccine locations.
"On top of this retail system, you're then going to have large, state sites that are set up," he says. "Javits Center, we're going to use SUNY, CUNY, where you'll have drive-through vaccine operations."
And while he did not say where, Cuomo says New York plans to have pop-up vaccination sites at churches, community centers and more where it is most needed.
"This state is going to make a statement as to social equity, and we're going to make sure that the social injustice and the health care disparities that we've seen are not replicated," says Cuomo.
Finally, Cuomo also asked if when the vaccine is available that if police, fire and transit departments and other front-line essential workers can explore the possibility of organizing their own vaccine distribution system.