BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Vaccinations for COVID-19 began Tuesday at the University at Buffalo's South Campus, which has been officially designated as a state vaccination site.
While vaccine supplies are still extremely limited, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said the site in Buffalo will be used to give doses to those currently eligible.
"Today we're here to open a site that I think is going to be very accessible to many Western New Yorkers, particularly those who live in the City of Buffalo," Hochul said. "We want to make sure that New York is the first COVID-free state in the nation."
One million people have been vaccinated in New York State, though 7 million are currently eligible.
According to the state's eligibility website, the site at the University at Buffalo has no available appointments. Click here to see if you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and where to get them.
"(Getting an appointment) was very difficult," Dennis Powell, an Orchard Park man who was vaccinated Tuesday, said. "My wife was on this constantly and trying to get in. We finally got the appointment. She got mine today but wasn't able to get hers for the same day so we have to come back tomorrow."
Powell, 67, said he was relieved to get the first dose but still has to come back in three weeks to get his second dose. He encouraged others to get the vaccine, saying the operation at the site was smooth and the risk of contracting the coronavirus was still high.
New York also opened up similar vaccination sites at locations in Utica and Binghamton. More sites in Rochester, Potsdam, and Stony Brooks will be unveiled next week.
New York also opened up similar vaccination sites at locations in Utica and Binghamton. More sites in Rochester, Potsdam, and Stony Brooks will be unveiled next week.
