Times Square Vaccine Site Gave Expired Doses, City Says

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — The city's mass-vaccination site in Times Square mistakenly administered hundreds of expired doses of the Pfizer vaccine earlier this month, health officials informed patients this week.

Expired doses were injected into the arms of 899 patients between June 5 and June 10 and the Times Square site, according to the New York Post, which first reported the news. The error poses no danger for people who received them, but they will need to get re-vaccinated.

The clinic, which operates out of the former NFL Experience store near West 47th Street, opened in April. Originally reserved for entertainment workers, the site opened in a ceremony attended by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Paitents affected by the mistake have been informed through emails, phone calls and letters, a Health Department spokesperson told Patch on Tuesday.

"We have communicated with Pfizer, which recommended that the patients receive another dose as soon as possible," the spokesperson said. "While there is no safety risk for the patients, the re-administration is being carried out to ensure that the individuals are fully protected."

Meanwhile, the vendor in charge of the site — reportedly ATC Vaccination Services — was immediately replaced by a new provider once the city learned of the mistake. No appointments had to be rescheduled.

The Times Square site remains on the city's official website for vaccine locations, offering doses to anyone age 12 or older.