Editorial Op-ed
A big win for New York
Billions of dollars in new federal aid may
soon pour into New York City to help rebuild
and modernize our transportation
infrastructure in a bipartisan bill that passed
the House of Representatives on Friday night.
Bravo to the 215 Democrats and 13 Republicans
— including Congresswoman Nicole
Malliotakis of Brooklyn/Staten Island — in the
House for supporting the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan
Infrastructure Bill (BIB). We shake our heads,
however, at the fi ve Democrats, including
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of
Bronx/Queens and Congressman Jamaal Bowman
of Bronx/Westchester, who voted against
it for the superfl uous reason that the bill was
broken off from the larger Build Back Better Act.
For years, the concept of “Infrastructure
Week,” born in the dysfunctional Trump
Administration, had become something of a
joke because the former president’s plans were
constantly stuck on the tarmac like the Trump
Shuttle of old.
And in recent weeks, with all the Democratic
infi ghting over President Biden’s vision
of an infrastructure bill, it seemed that had
become a punchline of its own. Not so.
Friday’s passage of the BIB proved that
things can still get done in Washington. It’s also
the second major trillion-dollar investment bill
passed in the Biden administration’s fi rst year,
and don’t count out the stalled social spending
bill just yet.
But undoubtedly, the BIB could be one of
the biggest boons to public transit in New York
City in decades.
It gets the long-delayed Gateway Tunnel
project fi nally off the ground — building the
fi rst new rail tube through the Hudson River
in generations, improving New York City’s
connection with the rest of America.
The MTA will get $10 billion for capital
improvements, and they have plenty to make
throughout the subway and bus system. Public
transit remains critical to the city’s postpandemic
recovery, and essential for the city’s
long-term growth.
Billions more are also being provided for
climate resiliency and water infrastructure
projects to further protect New York City and
its residents, especially in the aftermath of the
damage wrought by Hurricane Ida’s remnants
in September.
Once President Biden signs the bill this
week, as he’s expected to do, the BIB clears
the way for a stronger, more modern New York
— a great victory for a city in dire need of one.
After Biden signs it, let’s get the shovels in
the ground!
Publisher of The Villager, Villager Express, Chelsea Now,
Downtown Express and Manhattan Express
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What to know
about COVID-19
vaccine boosters
A medical worker prepares a dose of the “Comirnaty” Pfizer BioNTech
COVID-19 vaccine in a vaccination center in Nantes, France, October 6, 2021.
BY DR. DAVID CHOKSHI
Recently, important updates about
the COVID-19 vaccine were announced—
that certain people are
now eligible for a “booster” dose.
Since the beginning of COVID-19, our
scientifi c understanding of the virus has
constantly evolved, and many New Yorkers
understandably have questions about this
new development.
I would like to provide the “who, why,
and where” about boosters.
Who should get a booster?All three
brands of booster shots are available for
many New Yorkers—Pfi zer, Moderna,
and Johnson & Johnson—and “mixing
and matching” of the vaccines is safe. But
who is eligible for a booster depends on the
vaccine you originally received.
At this time, the Pfi zer and Moderna
boosters are approved for certain people
vaccinated at least six months ago—specifi
cally, people who are aged 65 or older,
adults with underlying medical conditions
(like diabetes), and adults at higher risk of
exposure due to their job (like health care
workers) or due to where they live (like
nursing home residents).
The Johnson & Johnson booster is approved
for anyone ages 18 or older who
received at least two months ago—as I did.
Since “mixing and matching” is now authorized,
Johnson & Johnson recipients can
get a booster of any of the three authorized
STEPHANE MAHE
vaccines (Moderna, Pfi zer, or Johnson &
Johnson). There is limited data showing
that Moderna or Pfi zer vaccines could
result in higher antibody levels.
Why get a booster?The science continues
to show that all three of the authorized
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and save lives.
That’s why getting more New Yorkers vaccinated
with their fi rst and second doses
remains the most important thing. The
booster adds another layer of protection—it
is meant to “boost” your immunity. This is
particularly important for people who are
most at risk for severe illness.
Where can New Yorkers get a
booster?In New York City, booster shots
are available at sites in all fi ve boroughs,
and for in-home vaccination. To fi nd a
location near you, go tonyc.gov/vaccinefi
nder. The vaccines are free at City sites
to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration
status.
Already, over 250,000 New Yorkers
have received a booster shot. That means
thousands of New Yorkers will have stronger
protection from COVID-19. They will
be able to gather with friends, family and
loved ones more safely. And for any New
Yorkers who are still unvaccinated, I urge
you to take the fi rst step today—join 6
million other New Yorkers and get vaccinated.
It is our single best way out of this
pandemic and a return to normal life again.
Dr. Chokshi is New York City’s Health
Commissioner
8 NNoovveembbeerr 1111,, 22002211 Schneps Media
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