Javits Center in NYC opens for mass vaccinations

Описание: (13 Jan 2021) FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: 4305956

A state-run COVID-19 vaccination site opened Wednesday in New York City at a convention center that was transformed into a field hospital at the height of the pandemic in the spring.
The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center is now a mass inoculation center for an ever expanding list of people eligible to get vaccinated.
New York state expanded COVID-19 vaccine distribution Tuesday to people 65 and over, increasing access to an already short supply of doses being distributed through an overtaxed system some users have found time consuming.
"To win this battle against COVID-19, we need between 70% and 90% of the population to take the vaccine and to win this battle against COVID-19," said Howard Zucker, New York State Health Commissioner.
New Yorkers battered by months of isolation and worry are eager to receive what many see as a shot of hope, as the city ramps up efforts to get people inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine.
"My arm's not sore, I had no reaction and I come back February 3rd for my second round and hopefully it will be as pleasant as it was then," Linda Evans said.
The state had already dramatically expanded vaccine eligibility beyond health care workers on Monday to include people 75 and older and to police officers, teachers and other key professions.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the lower age eligibility Tuesday, even as a state vaccine hotline was temporarily not accepting calls due to high call volumes.
"I'm so excited about getting this done and everything like that and sort of getting ready to get back to a semi-normal life," said Robert Stone, who was vaccinated Wednesday with his wife Gail. The two were among the first to receive vaccinations at the Javits Center.
People were making inoculation appointments through a state website, which generates a list of nearby sites users can contact.
In addition to the Javits Center, New York state plans to open a drive-thru location on Long Island's Jones Beach on Thursday and at the University at Albany on Friday, according to the Cuomo administration.

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