The COVID-19 vaccine has finally made its way to
Haverstraw, where the demand is outweighing the supply.
A total of 250 doses were administered at the Haverstraw
Community Center, one of the hardest-hit areas in Rockland County.
“At this point, we could really use more,” said Roberta
Kelly, the chief nursing officer for Sun River Health. “I think around 250
doses a week would really make an impact in Rockland County."
Shortages are not just being felt countywide, but
worldwide. It’s also why the UK is only giving one dose, vaccinating as many
people as possible while pushing second doses to a three-month delay.
Scientists in Canada are now pushing to do the
same. Researchers there claim that a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine is 92%
effective while researchers in Israel say its 85%.
A Pfizer spokesperson told News 12 the company has
no "data regarding this single-dose approach," adding its
research is specific to "two doses 21 days apart."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told News 12
that changes to dosing are "premature and not rooted solidly in the
available scientific evidence."
With shortages looming, local lawmakers believe it’s
something to consider.
"When you go into battle, you look at all your
options. Bottom line," said Rockland County Executive Ed Day.
The United States has increased their COVID-19 vaccinations
administering more than 1.5 million a day, but still the demand far outweighs
the supply.