DOH Commissioner Dave Chokshi Updates City on COVID-19 Vaccine on First Day of Distribution

Doctor Dave Chokshi, Commissioner of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene updated New Yorkers today during the Mayor’s Press Briefing.

“Leading scientists have confirmed that it is a very good vaccine in terms of safety and ability to protect against COVID-19 illness. I, myself, have poured over the studies, including what was released last week,” said Mr Chokshi.

“Second, the first New York City bound vaccine shipments departed from Kalamazoo, Michigan yesterday in special cartons, held at minus 70 degrees. They will travel via UPS and FedEx, both by truck and by plane. Third, Pfizer equipped the coolers with GPS enabled thermal sensors so the temperature can be monitored, and the vaccines tracked, to ensure they are received safely. If there are any problems with the shipments, Pfizer will notify us immediately.”

In addition, vaccines arrive at five hospitals today with an additional 37 hospitals to receive shipments on Tuesday and two others on Wednesday.

“And after the initial vaccinations, the data will be reported to our citywide immunization registry within 24 hours of administration so we can securely keep track of who is getting the vaccine.”

He added that it was not known “whether the Pfizer vaccine works for children under the age of 16. The FDA authorization was for ages 16 and up.”

He mentioned how Moderna Vaccine is likely to get similar emergency authorization by the FDA by Friday.

Said that overall allotment of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for the coming months should be about 465,000 doses in the coming weeks.

Dr. Chokshi reminded New Yorkers of how, regardless of this newest turn in the battle against the virus, New York remains in a state of emergency and how we must all remain vigilant.