Yorktown offers sites for vaccine distribution center

Yorktown officials say they can serve not only northern Westchester but Putnam and Dutchess counties as well.

News 12 Staff

Jan 22, 2021, 1:51 AM

Updated 1,358 days ago

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Despite the state's low supply of vaccines, one town in northern Westchester is calling on New York and the county to set up a point of distribution to serve major parts of the Hudson Valley.
Yorktown officials are asking the state to open a vaccine distribution site in town, which they say can serve not only northern Westchester, but Putnam and Dutchess counties as well.
If approved, the Yorktown Community and Cultural Center could become a vaccine hub for northern Westchester.
Former Ossining police detective and town resident Bill Sullivan approves of the potential hub, saying in part, “It makes sense. It's convenient and you know, it would work.”
According to a letter from Yorktown officials to the county and state, vaccine access is limited for those who live far away from Westchester's main distribution point - the County Center in White Plains.
"We're getting inundated at Town Hall, especially from our seniors,” says Town Supervisor Matt Slater. “They're so confused about the process, they're frustrated by the process, but they're also desperate to get the vaccine.”
Officials tell News 12 they want to make sure vaccine access is equal for people living in the northern part of the Hudson Valley and make it easier for seniors to get shots without having to travel.
“We want to make sure that we're advocating for our community,” says Slater.
The town is also suggesting the Jefferson Village Senior Community Room because of how close it is to the northern Hudson Valley counties.
At a nearby Acme, a handful of people received shots on Thursday. "The process was organized, it was so professional, and I can't say enough about it," according to Sullivan.
Unfortunately, the problem of supply remains. News 12 is told all 200 available slots at the Acme filled up in 11 minutes.
The state has 1,200 distribution sites, but not enough vaccines to go around for them all.
Officials say the issue of vaccine shortage can be avoided in the future by creating a centralized vaccination hub.