NY to stop using Westchester County Center as COVID vaccination site due to reduced demand

Next Thursday will be the last night for vaccinations at the County Center. Starting next Friday, the state is moving its resources to Westchester Medical Center to better accommodate vaccinating kids 5 to 11.

News 12 Staff

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Nov 12, 2021, 3:25 AM

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Updated 1,140 days ago

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A major hub in the Hudson Valley for COVID-19 vaccinations is moving locations next week.

Next Thursday will be the last night for vaccinations at the County Center.

Starting next Friday, the state is moving its resources to Westchester Medical Center to better accommodate vaccinating kids 5 to 11.

Long gone are the days of endless lines wrapping around the Westchester County Center to get a COVID-19 shot.

At the height of the pandemic 2,500 to 3,000 people were getting vaccinated there daily.

Now a fraction of that goes there.

The news is a surprise to many who have come to see the site as a symbol of fighting the pandemic.

Not only has the demand changed but so has the availability of shots. It's much easier now to get a first, second or booster shot at a health clinic, pharmacy or even school.

Plus 90% of all adults in Westchester have at least one COVID-19 shot already - the highest number in the Mid-Hudson region.

Westchester Executive George Latimer said while this is a major decision from the state, it doesn't mean the pandemic is over.

"We have every intention to be able to do everything we can to make sure that everybody who wants to be vaccinated will be vaccinated," says Latimer.

Latimer tells News 12 he's discussing whether the county should open its own vaccination site here once the state leaves, but a decision hasn't been made yet.

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