Some Monroe County legislators believe New York counties should take over distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

"We need to take vaccine distribution out of the hands of politicians and turn it over to the public servants who are trained and qualified in this area," said Joe Carbone, Republican president of the legislature. "People have made appointments and they've been canceled. People who've got the first shot and can't get the second shot."

Carbone and other GOP lawmakers cite those examples, as well as a recent vaccine clinic set up in downtown Rochester where hundreds lined up outside, only to be told the vaccine doses had not arrived. They believe the Monroe County Department of Public Health is better suited to distribute the vaccine.

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello issued this response:

"I’m grateful for the confidence that the Republican legislators have in my administration and the Department of Public Health to successfully administer the COVID-19 vaccine, but the simple truth is that there is not enough vaccine to increase output at this time. This is an issue we’re seeing throughout the country, not just here in Monroe County or New York State, and we will continue to see it until the federal government and manufacturers are able to increase production of vaccine."

"The state oversees everything, but we know what our constituents need," said Republican Legislator Paul Dondorfer of Penfield. "We know what our constituents want."

Republicans also see local control of vaccine distribution as a path toward potentially allowing family members to be designated caregivers, so they might be able to visit relatives in nursing homes. 

Messages to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s press office seeking comment were not returned.