coronavirus new york

Coronavirus News: New York will review COVID vaccines to ensure safety

COVID-19 News and Information

Thursday, September 24, 2020

New York will review virus COVID vaccines

Gov. Cuomo says the process has become too politicized to trust

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The same day the National Academies of Science and Medicine raise their alarms about the politicization of science, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo raised his own concerns the vaccine approval process has become "politicized."

Cuomo said New York State would conduct its own review of any vaccine the FDA approves to assure it is safe to take.

"Frankly I'm not going to trust the federal government's opinion and I wouldn't recommend to New Yorkers based on the federal government's opinion," Cuomo said during a news conference Thursday.

While the state does not play a role in the approval process, it will be determining how the vaccine is distributed.

Cuomo established a Vaccine Distribution and Implementation Task Force comprised of experts in public health, immunizations, government operations, data and other relevant fields to oversee vaccine distribution and administration.

Cuomo's promised review could mean distribution is delayed if the state is unsatisfied it's safe and effective.

The Vaccine Distribution and Implementation Task Force will develop a plan for vaccine administration that will include:

Prioritization of vaccine recipients based solely on clinical guidance

Distribution network capable of providing two doses of vaccine to all New Yorkers

Qualified professionals and organizations to administer the vaccine

Data and IT infrastructure for scheduling appointments and tracking program metrics

Public education regarding vaccination program

Procurement of necessary supplies and equipment

WATCH: Eyewitness to a Pandemic

The sense of doom grew, especially after March 1, when the first confirmed case arrived in Manhattan. Soon, there was a hotspot in New Rochelle, and small curfews and containment zones across the area offered a hint of a frightening future we still thought we could avoid.