The SUNY Broome Ice Center in the town of Dickinson is trading in its skates for vaccines.

The college spent all week transforming it into a massive vaccination site for eager Broome County residents. 

Members of the Health Department said it's the perfect location.

"We're out of the weather elements, but it's big and airy and it really feels outdoors, which is really important with COVID-19. We know we wanted a big space and enough room to be all spaced out, but also a space people could find," said Broome County Public Health Director Rebecca Kaufman.

But early numbers from the state have been disappointing. 

The county received just 400 of the 3,000 vaccines they requested. Now, health officials are stuck playing the waiting game. 

"We realize there are not enough doses for the people eligible, so it is frustrating, but if people can continue to look, register, and as soon as we get the doses, we will be getting them out," said Kaufman.

And it comes at a critical time for the county. Just 39 percent of hospital beds and 44 percent of ICU beds remain available as cases hover around 1,000. 

Despite some early hope with the vaccine, the health department said now is just as important a time as ever to follow COVID-19 guidelines. 

"The numbers are higher than they ever have been, and I really just encourage people to stay socializing with your small family group, continue mask wearing and doing everything that," said Kaufman.

The health department hopes to eventually offer up to 500 vaccines a day at the SUNY Broome location.