Dozens of pharmacies in New York City started offering on-site COVID-19 vaccines to seniors under a federal program this week – and older residents of the Big Apple were excited to take advantage of it.
‘We tried [to get a vaccine appointment] for a while, but it has been very difficult, ”said Stephen Bruce, 89, Friday after finally getting his first dose of the two doses at a Duane Reade in Union Square, Manhattan.
Bruce said he found it “very easy” to make an appointment to be stung on the pharmacy’s website.
“I was very happy to receive it [the vaccine], “he said.” I’ve been waiting to get it. “
Although Bruce says he feels “100 percent safer” after being vaccinated, he will “not disregard caution.”
“I’m going to be very careful,” said the restaurateur.
The City Health Department announced on Thursday that more than 250 pharmacies in the Big Apple will offer the coronavirus vaccine to New Yorkers age 65 and older as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program.
This week, the 26,500 doses assigned to the pharmacy program increased the city’s vaccine supply by 20 percent, officials said. Early next week, an additional 26,500 weekly doses will be added to the Big Apple’s vaccine supply for the program.
When 72-year-old Hardy Green made an appointment at the Duane Reade in Union Square, he “couldn’t believe it.”
‘I had the feeling, you know, I have to hallucinate. It just seems so unlikely, ”said Green, who got the vaccine from the pharmacy on Friday.
Green said the entire process took about an hour.
“It was slow,” he said. It’s not their fault. I don’t want to blame anyone. They try their best, but yes, it’s disorganized – it’s America. “
Marc Deric, 67, also got his first dose on the Duane Reade Friday, calling it “a great relief,” especially since he contracted the coronavirus last March.
“I am very happy that I got the vaccine,” he said. “I know what it’s like to have COVID.”
The additional vaccination sites at 188 Walgreens / Duane Reades, 75 Rite Aids and five Costco stores in the Big Apple will increase the total number of vaccination sites in the city to about 400, the health department said.
Additional reporting by Nolan Hicks