Over the weekend, Syracuse became one of the first sites in New York to distribute the newly released Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The clinic at the New York State Fairgrounds turned into a 24-hour operation, offering Pfizer vaccines during the day and then Johnson & Johnson vaccines from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., one of only three such sites in New York and the only one upstate to go around the clock.
It's a massive undertaking, but Fair Spokesperson Dave Bullard said they are up to the challenge.
"We’re the Fair, we are in the logistics business. People think we are in the entertainment business, but we are really in the logistics business," Bullard said. "We move people, places, and things, so setting this up to be able to move a lot of people through here to get shots, that’s just one more thing we can do. It's part of our core competency."
And there were a lot of people. Bullard said the more than 2,000 slots available each night since Friday were filled.
"People come up to that [registration] desk and tell you they are so grateful and so happy to be able to get these shots done because the last year has been a weight on people’s shoulders," Bullard said.
Many of those who came to get their shots like Oliver Agee from Auburn didn't care about the late hours.
"I have heart disease, diabetic, and stuff like that, so it's important to get it done," Agee said.
Karen Cheal from Cazenovia said the hours were actually beneficial for some.
"I think it probably is good for some people who maybe don't want to leave their job, can't leave their job, so actually I think it's great that they're doing it and I really appreciate all the workers who are out there during the middle of the night doing this for everybody to make this accessible," Cheal said.
Some came from as far away as Rochester to get vaccinated, including Bill Matthews.
"I had the virus back in November, so I know what this crap is like," Matthews said.
The pilot program for overnight vaccinations is scheduled to last at least a week as New York officials try to distribute the state's initial allocation of the Johnson & Johnson shot as quickly as possible. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said there may be a lag in the next shipment of this vaccine but as supplies become available the state will expand these efforts to other sites.
