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.
"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.