NYC Preps For COVID Vaccine Booster Shots

NEW YORK CITY — New York City is ready for expected federal approval of COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

All 1,900 vaccination sites across the five boroughs — including 25 city-run locations — will give out boosters if and when a final decision on the shots from FDA and CDC officials arrives as soon as next week, de Blasio said Thursday.

"We don't know the exact date, but we're going to be ready either way," he said.

Uncertainty and scientific debate remains whether federal officials should recommend boosters for older adults or a broader population, Dave Chokshi, the city's health commissioner, said.

Chokshi also noted that only the two-dose Pfizer vaccine is being officially vetted by federal officials for potential boosters, but said the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson likely will be soon.

“A booster for certain New Yorkers who received the Pfizer vaccine could get the green light as soon as next week,” he said.

The city's plan for doling out booster shots will include a proactive outreach campaign, plus weekend booster shot events to give 45,000 additional jabs a week if needed, de Blasio said.

Chokshi said the boosters, if approved, likely will be needed a set time after a recipient's last dose. He said both walk-in and appointments will be offered at sites.

Demand is expected to be high in the initial days after federal approval, and officials anticipate long lines and wait times could return, Chokshi said.