Supervisor Calls For Fix To 'Fragmented, Chaotic' Vaccine Process

SOUTHOLD, NY — With North Fork residents scrambling to find elusive coronavirus vaccination appointments and forced to drive miles to state mass vaccination sites, Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell is demanding change.

"The current state process for distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine is an outrage and it needs to change now," Russell said.

The current New York State plan, which distributes vaccines to pharmacies, various healthcare agencies, and healthcare providers "on a seemingly random basis, lacks transparency and places undue burdens on our residents, especially our seniors and those with critical underlying conditions," Russell said. "This 'pop-up' style plan provides no meaningful advance notice to the residents who must primarily rely on word-of-mouth, often finding out too late."

In addition, Russell maintained, the current plan directs residents to make appointments at various locations only for them to find out that appointments aren’t being accepted or there is no vaccine available.

New York State-run vaccination centers currently located at Jones Beach and in Stony Brook place undue burdens on Southold residents, especially seniors, forcing them to drive for hours if they are "lucky enough" to secure an appointment, Russell said.

“Frankly, the current state process put in place for vaccine distribution is fragmented and chaotic," Russell said. "The lack of advance notice to the community when vaccines are available at different locations leads to disappointment and frustration for those who simply don’t know when vaccines are being offered. The public shouldn’t have to rely on rumors or spend hours day and night scouring the internet in the hope of finding an opportunity."

Russell said there has been no state communication with towns, which are in the best position to help get the message out.

"Certainly, healthcare agencies and businesses aren’t to blame because they aren’t notified until the last minute that they are receiving vaccines to administer. Intentional or not, it creates the appearance of a lack of transparency," Russell said.

In an effort to create a program that meets the need of residents, Russell said Southold has coordinated with all supervisors and mayors on the East End to "demand that New York State open a vaccination location on the East End. The two current locations are too far west and our residents deserve more equitable treatment."

Rep. Lee Zeldin has also said that creation of an East End vaccination site is critical.

Russell said the town has worked with New York State, at the state’s request, as well as Eastern Long Island Hospital to identify town buildings that can serve as vaccination centers.

The Peconic School has four rooms: One would be used as a waiting room; one would be used as an inoculation site; the third would be used for the required post-observation; and one for equipment and staff, Russell said.

ELIH reps have already surveyed the building and layout and think it is a good location, Russell said.

The town has also committed to offer transportation from immobile residents' homes to the center "yet, the building sits vacant. We have done our part, now is the time for New York State to do its part," he said.

Russell said the town continues to communicate with New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo's representatives, Suffolk County officials, and public health agencies to advocate on behalf of Southold residents. Southold's large older population, as well as those with underlying critical health issues, deserve a process that is transparent and provides equal opportunities for vaccination access, Russell said.

“We recognize that vaccines are limited and that this is a problem statewide; however, a shortage of vaccines doesn’t mean there should be a shortage of information, too," Russell said.

Residents are urged to register and continue to monitor theNew York State vaccination website, call health care providers and the Suffolk County Department of Health to keep updated. Residents can also call Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell’s Office at 631- 765-1889 with any questions.