Governor Cuomo Announces 500,000 Shots Have Been Administered at Javits Center Mass Vaccination Site

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that 500,000 shots have been administered at the mass vaccination site at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City - one of the largest numbers of vaccinations performed at any site in the country. The mass vaccination site at the Javits Center has been instrumental in New York State's vaccination efforts. The site first opened on January 13, 2021 and was part of a pilot program that took place in March to administer the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine to eligible New Yorkers during overnight hours, switching to a 24/7 operation to accommodate these additional appointments. Over 13,000 shots were administered at the Javits Center site over a 24-hour period on two days in March - the best single-day performance of a vaccination site in the nation.

"We are working with our health care professionals and volunteers around the clock to get as many shots in arms as possible, as quickly as possible, and our vaccination rate continues to trend in the right direction," Governor Cuomo said. "Our mass vaccination sites have been critical in our efforts to vaccinate every single New Yorker, and the site at the Javits Center in New York City has hit a significant milestone of administering 500,000 shots - the highest number of any site in the nation. The success of this site and the other sites across the state are proof that our efforts are working and getting us closer to defeating COVID once and for all and restoring a sense of normalcy."

New York State continues to expand eligibility for the vaccine and make it easier for New Yorkers to get vaccinated. Earlier today, the Governor announced that beginning Thursday, April 29, all New York State mass vaccination sites will accommodate walk-in appointments for all eligible adults. The walk-in appointments are reserved for first doses only with second doses to be scheduled automatically after administration of the initial shot. Additionally, all vaccine providers are encouraged to allow walk-in appointments and eliminate other barriers for vaccinations for eligible New Yorkers.

On March 29, Governor Cuomo announced a new expansion of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility in New York. Beginning Tuesday, March 30 all New Yorkers 30 years of age and older became eligible to receive the vaccine. Beginning April 6, universal eligibility went into effect and all New Yorkers 16 years of age and older are eligible to receive a vaccine.