COVID-19 vaccinations begin at Medgar Evers College for those over 65

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A FEMA staffer directs Brooklyn residents at Medgar Evers College during the opening of COVID-19 mass vaccination site in the first week of appointments.
Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Eligible persons lined up outside 231 Crown Street, on Wednesday 24, for the opening of mass vaccination at the first week of appointments at the new State FEMA Brooklyn and Queens sites at Medgar Evers College, and York College, for adults 65 and over, persons with underlying conditions, and essential workers.

MTA will launch a pilot program on March 1 to enhance bus service from NYCHA and community centers to York College and Medgar Evers College.

Sites will vaccinate 3,000 New Yorkers per day and serves as a national model for equitable distribution of vaccine.

Eligible New Yorkers can make appointments for Medgar Evers College and York College State-FEMA vaccination sites through New York’s ‘Am I Eligible’ website, by calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829) or by visiting https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-opening-state-fema-mass-vaccination-site-york-college-queens-and>.

“New York has a vast network of vaccine providers to ensure that every eligible New Yorker has access to the vaccine. With the opening of community-based mass vaccination sites like Medgar Evers College and York College we are even close to reaching that goal,” Governor Cuomo said.

“Not only are these sites located directly in traditionally underserved communities of color that were hit hardest by the pandemic, but thanks to enhanced MTA bus service, we’re making it even easier to access this life-saving vaccine. As we move forward, we will continue to prioritize social equity and fairness and do everything we can to ensure every New Yorker, regardless of race, background or where they live, gets vaccinated,” said Gov. Cuomo, according to the website.

Eligible zip codes in Brooklyn, where a very high percentage of Caribbean nationals reside, include: 11206,11221,11216,11238,11225,11213,11233, 11207, 11208, 11236, 11212,11203,11226, 11210.

Yvonne, a Panama national, said she accompanied her sister who met the criteria of being 65, while another resident said she does not like the odds of not getting the vaccine, as opposed to taking it.

Miss Fraser from Trinidadian & Tobago assured that residents in her neighborhood were taking the vaccine so she felt it would be beneficial in the fight against the Coronavirus.

Gail and husband applied online at www.governor.ny.gov and were directed to several portals, they signed-up for an appointment, arrived at the site on Feb. 24, and were quickly ushered into the building from a line that had dwindled.

Persons must be prepared to provide proof of identification and eligibility upon arrival for the vaccination appointment. Depending on eligibility category, proof can include employee ID card, a letter from an employer or affiliated organization, a pay stub, a driver’s license, passport, or any legal proof of date of birth and residency. The vaccine is free.