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February 24, 2021
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ICYMI: Governor Cuomo Announces Opening of State-FEMA Mass Vaccination Site at York College in Queens and Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn |
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MTA Will Launch Pilot Program March 1 to Enhance Bus Service from NYCHA and Community Centers to York College and Medgar Evers College 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 the Site Beginning March 1, the MTA will launch a pilot to enhance bus services from Edgemere Houses in Queens and Pink Houses in Brooklyn to the vaccination sites from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and add new bus stops adjacent to the vaccination site at York College. "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." Queens: York College The MTA bus shuttle will operate every 30 minutes from Edgemere Houses to York College making the following stops: Northbound Q98V Bus Stops
Southbound Q98V Bus Stops
The MTA will also install new bus stops on existing southeast Queens routes to better serve the vaccination center at York College. The MTA bus shuttle will operate every 30 minutes from Pink Houses to Medgar Evers College making the following stops: Westbound B98V Bus Stops
Eastbound B98V Bus Stops
With the support of FEMA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense and other federal agencies, these sites will mobilize federal clinical and non-clinical staff and contractors who will work with the National Guard, New York State, local leaders, and community-based organizations to establish and operate these sites. Each location will be tailored to meet the needs of the specific community it is serving. MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Foye said, "The MTA is doing everything we can to ensure vaccine equity by providing improved transit access from public housing and community centers to Medgar Evers College and York College. We want to make sure those who live in the ZIP codes with the lowest vaccination rates across the city have all the options possible to get to these sites." Interim President of MTA New York City Transit Sarah Feinberg said, "To help ensure New Yorkers have as many options as possible to travel to get their shots, starting on March 1 we will enhance service on bus routes that provide service from the key ZIP codes to these special vaccination sites. We need to do everything we can to vaccinate New York. We encourage New Yorkers to use the MTA's trip planner at mta.info to plan a trip to get vaccinated." In late 2020, the Governor announced the launch of New York's Vaccine Equity Task Force chaired by Secretary of State Rossana Rosado, National Urban League President & CEO Marc Morial, and Healthfirst President & CEO Pat Wang. Since its establishment, the Task Force has continued work to ensure vulnerable and underserved communities are not left behind by breaking down the barriers to vaccination and ensuring there is equitable distribution of the vaccine across the state. Additionally, New York has established more than 90 temporary community-based 'pop up' vaccination sites at churches, community centers and public housing complexes directly within communities across the state which have been underserved by traditional health care systems. Since January 15, these sites have enabled approximately 45,000 New Yorkers to receive their first COVID-19 vaccine dose at these community-based pop-up sites. After the administration of first doses, sites are then re-established three weeks later to administer second doses. New York will continue to establish these pop-up sites until they have been placed at all 33 NYCHA Senior Housing Developments, which house more than 7,600 seniors. Pop-up locations will also continue to be established at other public housing complexes statewide, as well as at more than 300 churches and cultural centers which have volunteered to house these sites through Governor Cuomo's Vaccine Equity Task Force. |
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