Schools

At Least 17K NYC Teachers Want Coronavirus Vaccine ASAP: Union

In 24 hours, about 17,000 educators responded to a United Federation of Teachers survey saying they want the vaccine.

In 24 hours, about 17,000 educators responded to a United Federation of Teachers survey saying they want the vaccine.
In 24 hours, about 17,000 educators responded to a United Federation of Teachers survey saying they want the vaccine. (Shannon Stapleton/Getty Images)

NEW YORK CITY — About 17,000 New York City teachers and educators — and potentially even more — want the coronavirus vaccine as soon as possible, according to the United Federation of Teachers.

It only took 24 hours for a UFT survey to find that level of interest among teacher, a release by the union states.

“Using information the members supplied in their survey responses, the UFT has sent nearly 7,000 names to our partner health care providers, the NYU Langone hospital system and EmblemHealth, who said they had that many vaccine doses available,” the release states. “The UFT is giving priority to those members who currently have an in-person assignment. Given, however, the limits of the supply and our provider locations, willingness to travel will expedite a member being matched with a provider.”

Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Teachers recently became eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

The UFT, as well as other unions, is coordinating a program to distribute doses in addition to other public programs.

Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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