NYC administers 22,300 vaccines and counting

St. John’s Episcopal Hospital administered 543 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of St. John’s Episcopal Hospital

By David Brand and Rachel Vick

More than 22,000 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered at New York City hospitals and nursing homes in the days since a Queens nurse received the city’s first dose, according to new Health Department data.

The first daily reports released by the city Tuesday showed at least 22,369 doses of the vaccine administered between Dec. 14 and Dec. 21. That number accounts for about a quarter of the 86,150 doses of the Pfizer vaccine distributed in New York City as of Monday, according to the city’s new COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker.

“We are still early in the process but these figures reflect the depth of preparation by our healthcare system and public health professionals,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi. 

At St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, 543 doses were administered to staff as of Tuesday afternoon, according to a facility spokesperson. 

A total of 274,200 doses of the vaccine have so far been allocated for the five boroughs. Chokshi said Monday that New York City will receive 149,400 doses of a second vaccine produced by the company Moderna by Wednesday.

Nursing home residents and staff in New York City began receiving the vaccine Monday. Adults with underlying health conditions and older adults living in congregate settings are next in line for the vaccine, according to the city’s vaccine distribution plan.

The vaccines have arrived as COVID surges across the city — and ahead of a holiday weekend where gatherings could lead to larger spikes, public health experts warn.

At least 28,850 New Yorkers have died so far as a result of the coronavirus, according to city data.

The approval and impending delivery of the Moderna vaccine will speed up the distribution, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

“What we're seeing is safe and effective vaccines that are going to change the entire reality and help us turn the situation around,” de Blasio said earlier this week. “And now, not just one vaccine, but two, and we think more to come after that. So, there is some good news right there.”   

An Ozone Park nurse working at Northwell’s Long Island Jewish Valley Stream received the state’s first dose of the Moderna vaccine Monday.