Dec. 9, 2020 By Christian Murray
The first batch of the COVID-19 vaccine is expected to arrive in New York City by next week and Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today that a total of 72,000 doses are coming to the five boroughs.
Cuomo announced that the doses “could arrive as early as this weekend”—with nursing home residents and staff to get them first.
New York State will receive 170,000 doses that will be distributed by region. For instance, New York City will receive 72,000 doses, while Long Island will be allocated with 26,500 doses
Nursing homes will receive them first, followed by high-risk hospital workers—such as emergency room workers and ICU staff.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to approve the Pfizer vaccine as soon Thursday.
Cuomo said that six million doses will be distributed around the country, although only half will be shipped out to begin with. The other half will be sent out in 21 days, which will be for the second dose that is required.
The governor said that a state panel would “immediately” conduct its own review of the vaccine after it is approved by the FDA. Once that quick review is complete, the vaccine would be approved for use.
Cuomo said that there are 90 regional distribution centers capable of ultra-cold storage.
The governor said steps had been taken to make sure that the identity of undocumented immigrants would not be disclosed.