Bronx becomes focus in fight against COVID-19, local hospital aims to increase vaccinations

Doctors at North Central Bronx say hospitals need a reliable supply of vaccine doses to administer them effectively.

News 12 Staff

Feb 17, 2021, 4:29 AM

Updated 1,255 days ago

Share:

The fight against the coronavirus continues in the Bronx, and new data from the Department of Health shows that parts of the borough have some of the lowest vaccination rates, despite targeted steps to vaccinate Bronx residents. 
Doctors at North Central Bronx Hospital say misinformation and a lack of supply are part of what is keeping vaccination rates low, but they tell News 12 things are beginning to turn around at the hospital. 
They say the vaccination process is improving every day. “At this point, it seems that we’ve got a fairly steady and consistent system. And so, we’re welcoming everyone who wants the vaccine and who is eligible to get it,” said Dr. Sarrah Garrison. 
According to the Department Of Health, almost 80,000 people live in the North Central Bronx -- an area that includes Norwood, Allerton and Williamsbridge -- less than 3,000 of those people have been fully vaccinated. 
The numbers become worrisome when you compare them to neighborhoods in other parts of the city, like Manhattan. While 4% of the population in the Norwood area is fully vaccinated, ion the Upper East Side it’s about 15%.
Doctors at North Central Bronx say hospitals need a reliable supply of vaccine doses to administer them effectively. 
“We weren't always sure about how many vaccines we would get and when we would get it. But there was a time early on where we thought we had more, we were expecting more than what we got and at that time we had to cancel some of the appointments,” said Dr. Garrison. 
They add that educating the community on the facts about the vaccine is another important part of keeping the Bronx safe. 
“Education is key. Some people are understandably a little reluctant, so for us, it’s important that we address any concerns that they have,” said Dr. Garrison. 
City Council is set to have a hearing Wednesday to discuss creating a unified scheduling system for vaccine appointments across the city.


More from News 12
0:32
Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

1:40
Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

1:46
Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

1:54
East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

1:24
G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

1:44
Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

1:43
Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

0:47
Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

0:24
Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

1:54
Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

1:44
The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

1:36
Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

1:31
Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

1:41
Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

1:46
YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

0:37
Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

1:14
New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

1:35
Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

1:55
Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

0:29
Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American

Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American