Mayor de Blasio Joins the More than 3 Million New Yorkers who have been Vaccinated

 Mayor Bill de Blasio just joined the more than 3 million New Yorkers who have been vaccinated.

At his morning press conference, Mayor de Blasio traded in his usual suit and tie for a short sleeve shirt so that Dave A. Chokshi, MD, New York City’s health commissioner could easily administer a Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which both the mayor and Dr. Chokshi urged New Yorkers to take.

   “The Johnson & Johnson vaccine a safe and effective, and it is easier for our healthcare professionals to use because it requires less refrigeration [than the other vaccines,” Mayor de Blasio said.

   “Plus, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one shot: You are ‘One and done!’

   As Dr. Chokshi, who was wearing a white coat as he sterilized the mayor’s arm with alcohol to prepare to administer the vaccine, Mayor de Blasio quoted the health commissioner to address New Yorkers who might be picky about which vaccine they receive.

    “Dr. Chokshi had the quote of the year when he said, ‘The best vaccine is the one you can get now: In your arm as quickly as possible to protect you, your family, and your community.”

    After a super-quick jab, Dr. Chokshi asked the mayor how he was feeling.  

  “If you have had a flu shot, this is the same thing: You feel it for a second and over,” said Mayor de Blasio, who was happy to receive a card that said that he had been vaccinated. “I want to tell everyone that is really easy.”   

   Dr. Chokshi then told the mayor that he might feel a mild reaction for the next 24 hours, but then “it will be over.” 

  “It is a great feeling when you know you have been vaccinated,” Mayor de Blasio said. “I have total faith in the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and  that is why it is now in my arm.”

 Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.