Coronavirus NY: Some vaccination sites in NYC shut down due to lack of COVID vaccine

Coronavirus update for NYC
Thursday, January 21, 2021
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- The Aqueduct Race Track in Ozone Park, Queens opened as one of New York's state-run COVID vaccination facilities on Monday.

And it was welcome news, despite the current shortage of vaccines.

The positivity rate in the Ozone Park area is more than 14 percent, one of the highest in NYC, and this mega-site is capable of vaccinating 3,000 people per day.

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But the opening came along with word from Governor Andrew Cuomo that the state is running out of its supply.

As of now, the site is still accepting appointments for those who are eligible.

Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Hochul toured the facility Thursday morning.

She said the state says it doesn't anticipate closing any of its facilities because officials are scheduling those appointments to account for the shortage.

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Meantime fifteen city-run vaccination sites in New York City have been forced to close due to lack of vaccine.

Mayor Bill de Blasio says the shortage is causing the city to fall short of its vaccination goals.

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And because of a delay in Moderna vaccine shipments, the city has rescheduled nearly 23,000 appointments originally set for today through Sunday.

The appointments will be rescheduled for the same times next week. The NYPD and FDNY have also cancelled some of their appointments.

And the mayor is now suggesting some who have already received their first shot may have to delay their second dose so others can get a first dose.

Despite all this, people are encouraged to keep making appointments.

Right now the state says it is vaccinating about 65,000 people per day.

At this point, the lieutenant governor says it could be July before the vaccine is available to the general public.

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