LI Teens Among Some Of 1st To Receive COVID-19 Vaccine In NY

NEW HYDE PARK NY — Three local teenagers — including two Long Islanders — were among some of the first of their peers throughout New York to be inoculated against COVID-19 as eligibility criteria opened up on Tuesday, Northwell Health officials said.

Hanna Riva Goldberg, 16, of Great Neck ; Paul Navarro, 17, of Hempstead; and Brianna Justice, 16, of Brooklyn received their first dose of the Pfizer BioNtech vaccine at a vaccination pod in New Hyde Park from their physician, Dr. Sophia Jan, the chief of general pediatrics at the Cohen Children’s Medical Center, under the watchful eyes of their parents, according to Northwell news release.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo last week announced that state residents over 16 years old would be able to get the vaccine on Tuesday, but parental consent is required for anyone under 18 years old.

Jan said the vaccinations will make it easier for youngsters to get back to their normal lives.

“Not only will they be able to get back to school and their social activities, but the important things, like hugging their parents and visiting their grandparents,” she said. “We can start thinking about these things again.”

Northwell Health’s senior vice president and chair of pediatrics Dr. Charles Schleien said that the the first vaccination was a big step in protecting those who are eligible.

“It’s not only important as a way to protect our children from COVID-19, but we can’t achieve critical immunity without vaccinating a good portion of children,” he said.

A second group of teenagers were vaccinated at a vaccination pod in Stony Brook Tuesday also, according to Michelle Pinto, media relations director at Northwell Health.

The vaccinations came on the same day as the governor announcing his “Vaccinate New York” campaign, which encourages all state residents to get vaccinated. Appointments at a state-run vaccination site can be scheduled on the 'Am I Eligible' website, or by calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).

Residents can also call their local health department, pharmacy, doctor, or hospital for additional information and to schedule appointments where vaccines are available, Cuomo’s office said.