Feb. 12, 2021 By Allie Griffin
New York City pharmacies are now offering the COVID-19 vaccine to New Yorkers 65 and older through a federal program that significantly boosts the city’s vaccine effort.
More than 250 pharmacies across the five boroughs are now administering the potentially life-saving vaccine, including 188 Walgreens/Duane Reade stores, 75 Rite Aid stores and five Costco stores.
The federal government will supply the pharmacies with a combined 26,500 doses a week — increasing the city’s current weekly allocation of the vaccine by about 20 percent, according to the New York City Health Department.
The doses will be shipped directly to local pharmacies. The first shipment was delivered this week and increase the city’s supply to 158,325 first doses.
The pharmacy vaccination program is designated for those 65 and older and is by appointment only.
The city’s Health Commissioner applauded the program.
“Pharmacies are a trusted part of our infrastructure, particularly for seniors who rely on them for medications and other services,” Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi said. “These additional doses will be a lifeline for so many city residents.”
Find a participating neighborhood pharmacy near you. Eligible New Yorkers can look for appointments online at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or by calling 1-877-VAX-4NYC.