The recent swirl of controversy and confusion surrounding the updated COVID-19 vaccine did not deter 79-year-old Robert Kirk, of Freeport, from getting his shot on Thursday.

"I get it every year," said Kirk, who walked into the Freeport Library after seeing the Mount Sinai South Nassau Vaxmobile parked in the back lot.

This is the first year federal health officials did not recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone over the age of 6 months. The lack of clarity in the guidelines led to initial delays for some people looking to get the shot shortly after it was approved at the end of August. As a result, New York State took steps intended to make the vaccine accessible to anyone in the state who wants it.

A growing sentiment of vaccine hesitancy across the United States contrib

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