City Councilman Mark Levine said Thursday that the state-run Javits Center was the most popular vaccination center in the city.
The councilor announced on his Twitter account that about 6,000 appointments for the Pfizer vaccine were opened at midnight for ages 16 and older.
As of Thursday morning, however, Levine said almost all of the appointments remained, including 1,000 for Friday.
Almost all of these appointments are still available – more than 1,000 for tomorrow included.
It’s the most popular vaccination center in NYC. So far, programs have run within minutes.
This is a deeply worrying development. https://t.co/yZ62vM0LLg
– Mark D. Levine (@MarkLevineNYC) 15 April 2021
“This is a deeply worrying development,” he said.
Levine calls it a ‘tipping point’ in trying to vaccinate New Yorkers.
NYC has reached a turning point in vaccination.
After months of intense competition for applications, the slots are now filling up much more slowly.
Our challenge is to no longer manage the pressure on demand. It brings people who need it and grows confidence in this life-saving solution.
– Mark D. Levine (@MarkLevineNYC) 15 April 2021
“After months of intense competition for applications, the slots are now filling up much more slowly. Our challenge is no longer to cope with the pressure of demand. It brings growth to people who need it, and builds confidence in this life-saving solution,” he said. Levine tweeted. .
He encouraged people to help make the word heard and to help others make appointments.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said the available appointments did not indicate a decline in demand or a problem encouraging people to discuss vaccinations.
“I feel good about the fact that there are a lot of appointments for people and that it’s easier to get,” he said. “I’m so much happier with the situation where people can make an appointment quickly.”
He added that the more you can make it easy, simple and close for people, the more they will become involved in the process.
“I agree with the mayor in the description that this is a good thing,” said Dr. Dave Chokshi, commissioner for health in NYC, said. “There is now a longer window, not too long, hours or in some cases a day or two before it is filled.”
Dr. Chokshi said it gives the city the opportunity to reach the people they really want to reach, and not just those who are technologically savvy.
He noted that the city’s hotline, 1-877-VAX-4NYC, has appointments for those who prefer to use the phone instead of booking their COVID vaccination online.
“We do not consider the question a static phenomenon,” Chokshi said. Note the city’s plan to increase access, outreach and trust.
The Javits Center has stopped using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, while a CDC advisory panel is investigating six cases of blood clots in patients. Those who show up for appointments at the Javits Center will receive the Pfizer COVID vaccine.
RELATED: NYC Opens Broadway COVID Star Power Vaccination Site
MORE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 COVER
New York City COVID-19 Vaccine Detection
New Jersey COVID-19 Vaccine Detection
How to get the vaccine in NYC, Tri-State area
Do you have coronavirus symptoms?
WATCH: Eyewitness of a pandemic
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of Coronavirus
Submit a news tip or question
Copyright © 2021 WABC-TV. All rights reserved.