New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer introduced the Fair Shot NYC initiative in efforts to make sure New Yorkers from all backgrounds and income levels have an equal chance to get the coronavirus vaccine. 

Stringer says this all starts with transparency. “Every New Yorker should know where to receive vaccination and how to register in advance. Every New Yorker should know how the vaccine are rolled out and different categories New Yorkers are eligible to register we should know that too,” said Stringer. 

The plan recommends for contact tracers to be reassigned to promote vaccine access. It also calls on the city to release real-time data of neighborhoods by ZIP codes to find out where there’s a need to boost vaccine distribution. 

The initiative also pushed to increase vaccine outreach through churches and local centers in communities, particularly those of color that have faced years of health disparities. 

“We are advocating for unity and the vaccine to go to where people died the most,” said Stringer. 

As more people become eligible, advocates say the city must take the lead to ensure vaccines are reaching the arms of New Yorkers. 

The initiative also wants businesses to provide paid time off for employees who are eligible to get a shot as well as have a weekly plan for vaccine rollouts to ensure fair distribution.