Buffalo, NY (WBEN) With more New Yorkers now eligible to get the coronavirus vaccine, there are calls for patience when it comes to trying to get an appointment to get the vaccine.
At the University of Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine, Dr. Nancy Nielsen says she's hopeful more vaccine will become available. "We're hoping that will be in the next couple of weeks. That's what the rumors are," says Nielsen.
When it comes to appointments, if you don't get one initially online, Nielsen suggests trying again later. "It can happen quickly. The mass vaccinations sites are pretty stable, so they have a steady distribution of vaccine," says Nielsen. She notes there's one issue about the state's site. "The site from the state does not list availability from pharmacies. The interesting thing that has happened is the state, quite appropriately, has loosened up where people have to go," adds Nielsen.
Nielsen says pharmacies can also provide vaccines, and this week, doctor's offices have also received vaccines for the first time.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz is urging patience. "Eligibility does not mean availability," says Poloncarz.
"Unfortunately the numbers have not increased as the eligibility has increased," referring to the amount of vaccine available. "We are theoretically in the 1B category right now. If you look at other categories in other states, we'd be in 2C based on all the categories the state has thrown in."
Poloncarz suggests not only checking out the state site, but calling others who can supply the vaccine. "You should check with the pharmacy you go to, as well as other pharmacies. They are getting doses from the state," adds Poloncarz.
Poloncarz urges patience as how doses are arrive is restricted.
"It is beyond our control. We cannot order vaccines from manufacturers. Manufacturers are not allowed to transfer vaccines to Erie County. It goes to the federal government, which decides on how it's distributed," says Poloncarz. "I don't have the ability to call them and say I'll take more vaccine."
Poloncarz says the goal remains to get as many people vaccinated as possible.
