Frustration mounts at state and local level over slow vaccine rollout

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz expressed frustration Tuesday with the vaccine rollout across New York State.

He said the state continues to make new groups eligible before it has enough supply to vaccinate the current qualified candidates.

Poloncarz also said many members of the public feel they are eligible and are showing up at vaccination facilities or calling the county to demand an appointment.

Since January 4, Erie County has vaccinated 6,907 people while Poloncarz said there are currently 300,000+ that qualify across the county.

Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a conference call that only 300,000 doses are being distributed to the entire state in a week.

Both called on the federal government to send more doses to New York’s 7 million residents.

Meanwhile, community health centers have started distributing doses to the public after going through their staff members.

Pharmacies, hospitals, and federally-qualified health centers are all delivering vaccines in addition to Erie County.