There was a long line-up this afternoon at George Westinghouse High School, down Tillary St. and around the corner onto Flatbush Ave., for the first day of Covid-19 vaccine distributions at the location. The crowd was diverse, with people of all ages patiently waiting their turn. A man in a neon vest spoke through a bullhorn, “Welcome to your first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine!” He then explained that because it was the first day, there were technical difficulties causing the long line, although everyone there had a time-specific appointment. The man informed the crowd that they would be receiving the Moderna vaccine and that they will need an appointment for a second dose in 28 days.
Harriet and Mike Gordon, a married couple, were on line today to get their vaccines. Harriet, 69, and Mike, 74, moved from Florida to Brooklyn Heights in 2010 to be closer to their daughter Sheryl Posnick, son-in-law Jeff, and their newborn grandson Zachary. Harriet reports that the workers managing the line were super friendly and helpful, and apologized for the first-day snafus. Once inside, the process went smoothly. They were asked a few questions, given the vaccine, and then waited in another room for 15 minutes to be monitored for any side effects. “The shot felt like nothing! And that’s coming from a big baby,” said Harriet. “Mike and I are really looking forward to being one step closer to ‘normal.’ We can’t wait to spend more time with our grandson, Zach, and enjoying simple pleasures we used to take for granted – going to dinner with friends, seeing a show, and holiday get-togethers with loved ones.”
Harriet and Mike Gordon during easier times.
Phase 1B of vaccine distribution started this past Monday. Those now eligible to get the free vaccine include people 65 and older; select groups of at risk New Yorkers; a range of frontline essential workers including teachers, school and childcare staff, first responders, public safety workers, public transit workers, food and grocery store workers; and those residing or working in homeless shelters. According to recent reporting, appointments for the vaccine are hard to come by. The recommendation is for people to continue checking the City’s appointment finder at this link, or the State’s website at this link. You can also try calling 1-877-VAX-4NYC for help finding a same-day appointment.
