Coronavirus

899 People Received Expired Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Doses at Times Square Site

NBC Universal, Inc.

What to Know

  • Nearly 900 people received expired COVID-19 vaccine doses at a vaccination site in Times Square this month, health officials said Tuesday.
  • The 899 people who received doses of the Pfizer vaccine at the former NFL Experience building in Times Square between June 5 and June 10 should schedule another Pfizer shot as soon as possible, the New York City Health Department said.
  • The vendor administering shots at the Times Square location has since been replaced.

Nearly 900 people received expired COVID-19 vaccine doses at a vaccination site in Times Square this month, health officials said Tuesday.

The 899 people who received doses of the Pfizer vaccine at the former NFL Experience building in Times Square between June 5 and June 10 should schedule another Pfizer shot as soon as possible, the New York City Health Department said. These Pfizer vaccine shots were apparently left in the freezer too long.

The site on 7th Avenue between 47th and 48th streets was originally set up for Broadway workers, although now it’s open to all with no appointments necessary.

ATC Vaccination Services, the company that administered the shots under contract to the city, said in a statement, “We apologize for the inconvenience to those receiving the vaccine batch in question and want people first and foremost to know that we have been advised that there is no danger from the vaccine they received.”

The vendor administering shots at the Times Square location has since been replaced. The city also said that there is "no safety risk for the patients," and that the shots are being re-administered just to "ensure that the individuals are fully protected."

Health Department spokesperson Patrick Gallahue said those who got the expired doses “have received e-mails, phone calls, and are also being sent letters to make sure they are aware of this situation.” The department said that impacted individuals can get another dose of the vaccine at any location, as long as it is a Pfizer shot.

Copyright NBC New York/Associated Press
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