268 NYC Pharmacies Will Give Out Coronavirus Vaccine Shots

NEW YORK CITY — Pharmacies across New York City joined the frontlines in the fight against the coronavirus.

A federal program is primed to deliver 26,500 doses of COVID-19 vaccine directly to Walgreens, Duane Reade, Costco and Rite Aid pharmacies every week, according to release.

The boost adds to New York City’s still-scant vaccine supply and is intended for people who are 65 and older, the release states.

“Pharmacies are a trusted part of our infrastructure, particularly for seniors who rely on them for medications and other services,” Dave Chokshi, the city’s health commissioner, said in a statement. “These additional doses will be a lifeline for so many city residents.”

The effort is part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program and will bring 268 sites to the city’s vaccine finder this week, officials said.

Those will include 188 Walgreens sites, 75 Rite Aid sites and five Costco sites, according to a release.

Next week, the pharmacy doses will be added to New York City’s supply and bring the total citywide weekly tally to 164,625 shots.

New Yorkers who are eligible for vaccines can look for appointments online at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov.