Bx. vax site heralds city ‘comeback’: Blaz
Mayor de Blasio joined Bronx elected officials Saturday in touring a newly opened coronavirus vaccination site in Co-op City that is targeting homebound senior citizens.
Hizzoner said making it easier for seniors to get the lifesaving shots will go a long way toward helping the city stop the COVID-19 pandemic.
“That will be the beginning of this incredible New York City comeback story,” de Blasio said. “A lot of that story is going to happen right here in the Bronx.”
Fifty homebound seniors got vaccinated at the new site in a community center in the sprawling high-rise complex Saturday. Soon, up to 1,000 people a day will get shots there.
The city opened the site at the urging of Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-Bronx, Westchester), who revealed for the first time that he contracted the deadly virus in November.
Bowman admitted being nervous about taking the shot because he has studied the history of racial discrimination in the development of past vaccines. “I’m one of those people who doesn’t even get the flu vaccine ... but I decided to get this one,” Bowman said. “And I gotta tell you, I feel great.”
“The vaccine is safe, it’s going to save lives,” the congressman added.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. called the opening of the vaccine hub “a civics lesson before our eyes.” He admitted having to persuade his own parents to get inoculated. His dad is City Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. (D-Bronx).
“I am waiting for the moment that I can get it,” he said. “I know better days are ahead.”
De Blasio related talking to seniors who had similar concerns.
A retired police officer named William told the mayor he worried at first about the safety of the shots.
“As millions and millions of people got vaccinated, the more confidence he had,” de Blasio said.
A couple named Samuel and Milagros, who are both in their 80s, said they were grateful to have the chance to be protected from infection.
“They said we’re much more worried about catching the coronavirus,” the mayor related. “And much more worried about what would happen to their family if they were not healthy.”