Some NYC COVID-19 vaccine distribution centers experience long lines, supply shortages

Hundreds of New York residents are heading to get vaccinated, but at least one vaccine hub in the city has run out and another was seeing major delays as the demand continues to grow.

News 12 Staff

Jan 19, 2021, 12:26 AM

Updated 1,425 days ago

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Hundreds of New York residents are heading to get vaccinated, but at least one vaccine hub in the city has run out and another was seeing major delays as the demand continues to grow.
Over the weekend, several New Yorkers were turned away from one distribution site in Brooklyn and another had long wait times.
On Sunday, people with appointments had to wait in line for several hours before they could receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Canarsie Educational campus in Brooklyn.
"I just thought I was just going to walk in, five minutes later have the vaccine 'cause other friends of mine in different locations, that's what has happened to them," said teacher Karima Hopkins.
Despite the wait, people who received the vaccine were just happy they're getting one.
"I know some people are lucky enough to get in and out and some people aren't, but at least we're getting the vaccine, so that's the good part" said health care worker Melini Abraham.
Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Army Terminal, one of the massive 24-hour vaccine distribution sites, continued to turn people away and have them reschedule appointments because the facility says it has run out of the vaccine. That's been the case at that facility since Friday.
On Monday, a worker at a 24-hour vaccination site in Morrisania told News 12 people have scheduled appointments for the day and that they will honor them.
Mayor Bill de Blasio has called on the federal government for support, saying vaccines will run out this week.
As the demand continues to grow and even more New Yorkers become eligible to take it, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and de Blasio continue to push their efforts forward in making the vaccine available for communities of color and to get seniors vaccinated. Starting this week, transportation services will be available to seniors who need a ride to a vaccination hub. All they have to do is apply at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov to access a ride.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene says there's a big interest for the vaccine and they're working as fast as they can to serve everyone.