NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — There's been a sharp decline in COVID-19 vaccinations in New York City.
City Councilman Mark Levine said 45% of adults have not received their first dose.
Mayor Bill de Blasio at his daily briefing Wednesday said his administration is close to nailing down the final details on an incentive program for those hesitant to get the vaccine.
"We're gonna be working across the spectrum, sports teams, entertainment venues, restaurants, we're gonna be looking to do incentives just like that to give people great opportunities when they get vaccinated," de Blasio said. "We know there's a lot of places where we could create really exciting opportunities."
He pointed to the vaccination effort launched at the American Museum of Natural History where people who get the shot under the big blue whale receive vouchers for a return visit to the museum.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday also announced fans who get vaccinated at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field will get a free ticket to a ballgame.
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The city health department is also leaning on the medical community.
"Let's face it, no voice is more important to people than the doctor they trust, for a parent the pediatrician's voice is so important," de Blasio said.
Especially as the Pfizer vaccine could soon get approved for use in children over the age of 12.
The mayor insists New Yorkers are still getting vaccinated in big numbers, highlighting news that the 100,000 dose of Pfizer was administered at Citi Field on Monday.
"We've seen the rate go down, but we still have to recognize a lot of people are getting vaccinated," de Blasio said.
The city's communities of color have the lowest vaccination rates, with just 30% of African Americans having received their first dose.