COVID News: Special clinic on Long Island for kids who took part in vaccine trial

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NEW YORK (WABC) — On Long Island today, a special COVID-19 vaccine clinic was held for young participants of a clinical trial in Suffolk County.

Children ages 5 to 11 who received a placebo during a clinical trial at Stony Brook got their second Pfizer shot, meaning they will soon be fully vaccinated.

The kids who took part all played a role in helping to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine.

Friday’s clinic was held at Stony Brook Advanced Pediatric Care in Commack.

Here are more of today’s COVID-19 headlines:

Long Island hospital reopens after nursing staff shortage forces closure
The emergency department at a Nassau County hospital has reopened after temporarily closing due to a nursing staff shortage. The shortage was the result of New York’s vaccine mandate. Officials at Mount Sinai South Nassau said Monday that all other options were exhausted before the decision was made to close the ER. Patients in need of emergency care were directed to the hospital’s main campus in Oceanside.

Connecticut to hold booster clinics at nursing homes
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont has announced the state is ramping up efforts to get older residents vaccinated with a COVID-19 booster shot by bringing special clinics to nursing homes. The move comes as the state has seen its highest infection rates since early September. Lamont is encouraging everyone who is eligible to get a booster shot. While 84% of residents 18 years and older are considered fully vaccinated, only 18% have received a booster shot.

De Blasio calls on Gov. Hochul to institute vax mandate for MTA workers

Mayor Bill de Blasio is calling on New York Governor Kathy Hochul to implement a vaccination requirement for MTA workers.

“Here is an opportunity to do something that will really help New York City,” the mayor said Tuesday morning, addressing Hochul publicly during his daily briefing at City Hall. “Put a mandate in place for MTA employees. It’s time to do it.”
Right now, unvaccinated MTA workers can submit to regular testing. Tony Utano, president of Transport Workers Union Local 100, wasted no time responding.
“The MTA’s unionized workforce and millions of transit riders are grateful this Thanksgiving that Mayor de Blasio does not run the subway and bus system – and is finally heading out the door,” Utano said. “The current system in which transit workers have a choice to be vaccinated or be regularly tested is working while we continue to educate and urge members to get the shot.”

Erie County institutes indoor mask mandate
With positivity rates increasing, Erie County implemented a mask mandate for all indoor public locations starting 6 a.m. Tuesday. The indoor mask mandate is phase one of a four phase plan. Erie County hopes not have to implement the other phases, which include vaccinations, capacity restrictions and shutdowns.
Gov. Kathy Hochul commended the Erie County executive for taking strong local action, calling it “an example of the leadership we need to see at the local level to combat this deadly virus.”