PATERSON, N.J. (WCB 880) — People started lining up at midnight for a new walk-in vaccine clinic in New Jersey.
Hundreds from all across the state lined the perimeter of the International High School off Route 80.
No appointments are needed at the site, but a police officer stood outside, warning that only Paterson residents with proof of identification would be able to get the vaccine.
Jessica Vega got in line at 3 a.m.
She said she wants the vaccine because she has a heart problem and teared up when she told WCBS 880's Marla Diamond that she lost an aunt and uncle to the virus.
It's been a year of loss for Darlene Torres as well.
"I've known about seven people who have passed. It's horrible, opening this up gives people a chance to stay well and it's amazing what they have done," Torres said.
Paterson's mayor calls the walk-in site "health equity in motion."
He is pleading with the federal government and the state to make more vaccines available.
They got 2,000 doses this week, and next week they've only been promised 700.
The clinic had to turn some people away after running short of vaccine.
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