Schumer announces 'vaccine supercharge' for NY state, includes more shots, over 100 new sites
NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Sen. Chuck Schumer announced Thursday that a "vaccine supercharge" will bring more COVID-19 vaccines and over 100 new vaccination sites to New York state as part of a $32 billion effort.
Speaking at Mayor Bill de Blasio's coronavirus briefing, Schumer said a "huge influx" of vaccines from the federal government is headed to the state along with the "massive" expansion of federally funded vaccine sites.
The over 100 sites will use the state's existing Community Health Centers, which will be organized by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Schumer said. The sites will receive vaccine supplies directly from the federal government.
The program and sites will be funded by nearly $32 billion Schumer said he has secured for vaccine distribution, procurement and administration in the COVID relief bill.
"There are going to be more vaccines and better access to vaccines sites, and it's on the way via this 'supercharge' effort that will utilize New York's community health centers as federally funded vaccine sites," Schumer said. "More access. More shots. A quicker recovery. That's what we want."
Schumer said exact vaccine allocation numbers for the sites will be announced in the coming days as CHCs across the state formally agree to participate in the program. Read Schumer's full press release on the plan.
"This will get more and more vaccine where he want it," de Blasio said, adding that the effort will help address disparities in access to vaccines.
Asked how many of the new sites will be in New York City, de Blasio said he wasn't sure but that "we have a very impressive roster of community-based clinics in this city, and if that's the methodology, New York City should do very well."
