JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT HOSTS FREE POP-UP COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINIC FOR ALL AIRPORT

The vaccine doses are being provided to the airport community by the city's Department of Health. The clinic being stood up at Terminal 5 will provide greater flexibility for employees who work both morning and evening shifts.

"We're taking the steps today to make it easier for all in our airport community to have access to the vaccine," said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O'Toole. "While we continue to take all necessary precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19 through enhanced cleaning and using face coverings, vaccinations are also key to our recovery throughout the region and we are thankful that the City of New York was able to allocate a number of vaccines to our airport community."

"Our airport and airline employees have helped to keep the region running throughout the pandemic, and the Port Authority is proud to support this vaccination pop-up site to help more employees get vaccinated," said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. "Whether you work during the day or during the evening, this site will be available to the entire airport community to help ensure their continued safety and protection as we work together to put an end to the pandemic."

"One of the biggest challenges with vaccinations is access. These workers have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic helping us travel to see loved ones, for work and more - now it's time we help them. This vaccination site will cater to thousands of employees who work at New York's largest airport. I commend the Port Authority, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, JetBlue, and Northwell Health for making it easier for JFK airport employees to get their vaccinations," said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks.

"Queens was the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a gateway to the rest of New York, airport workers were put fully at risk so it is critical that we work together to ensure they get vaccinated. This partnership between the Port Authority of New York and Jersey, New York City, JetBlue and Northwell Health is a momentous step towards our recovery. Ensuring our airport workers are vaccinated will further safeguard our ability to travel and return to some semblance of normalcy," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr.

"As a regional hub for the tri-state area and economic engine for the nation, our airport workers are essential to our City's recovery and our country's recovery, which is why we're doing everything we can to ensure airport workers of all kinds, from security to concessions and more, can easily access the vaccine," said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Melanie Hartzog. "The new vaccine site at JFK Terminal 5 is yet another facet of our comprehensive effort to bring NYC back stronger and healthier and more inclusive than ever before."

"A key pillar of JetBlue's Safety from the Ground Up program is crewmember health and safety. This latest partnership with the City of New York, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Northwell Direct makes the vaccine even more accessible to our crewmembers and the entire airport workforce," said Joanna Geraghty, JetBlue's president and chief operating officer. "As New York's hometown airline, we are proud to lend a hand by dedicating a section of our terminal and standing up a vaccination facility to benefit the entire airport community. Ensuring these hardworking crewmembers and all who support the airport operation have access to a vaccine not only keeps us all safer, but further instills confidence in travel."

"The fastest way back to normal for the United States and the world is through vaccination," said Nick Stefanizzi, CEO of Northwell Direct. "Providing vaccines to the workers at New York's biggest airport helps protect them, their families and the public, and is a vital step in restoring the health of the economy. JFK Airport is one of the world's great crossroads for travel and commerce, and Northwell Direct is honored to partner with the City of New York and the Port Authority in making it as safe as it can be."

Northwell Direct will administer the two-dose Pfizer vaccine outside JetBlue's baggage services office Monday through Friday until supplies last. The vaccines are being administered in accordance with the state health department's phased distribution plan and guidelines. Anyone with an airport badge and valid government-issued ID is eligible to receive the vaccine. Walk-ins will not be accepted; an appointment is required and can be made by visiting Northwell Direct's registration website. Appointments are available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The clinic is not open to the public.