Hard-hit Haverstraw gets vaccine site as lawmakers weigh 1-dose approach

This could mean that it may be possible to delay the second dose of the two-shot vaccine so more people can get the first dose.

News 12 Staff

Feb 19, 2021, 11:20 PM

Updated 1,324 days ago

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The COVID-19 vaccine has finally made its way to Haverstraw, where the demand is outweighing the supply.
A total of 250 doses were administered at the Haverstraw Community Center, one of the hardest-hit areas in Rockland County.
“At this point, we could really use more,” said Roberta Kelly, the chief nursing officer for Sun River Health. “I think around 250 doses a week would really make an impact in Rockland County."
Shortages are not just being felt countywide, but worldwide. It’s also why the UK is only giving one dose, vaccinating as many people as possible while pushing second doses to a three-month delay.
Scientists in Canada are now pushing to do the same. Researchers there claim that a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine is 92% effective while researchers in Israel say its 85%.
A Pfizer spokesperson told News 12 the company has no "data regarding this single-dose approach," adding its research is specific to "two doses 21 days apart."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told News 12 that changes to dosing are "premature and not rooted solidly in the available scientific evidence."
With shortages looming, local lawmakers believe it’s something to consider.
"When you go into battle, you look at all your options. Bottom line," said Rockland County Executive Ed Day.
The United States has increased their COVID-19 vaccinations administering more than 1.5 million a day, but still the demand far outweighs the supply.