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By KAREN MATTHEWS Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK — Some of New York City’s largest employers — including Wall Street firms like Goldman Sachs and big universities — have started receiving doses of the much-in-demand swine flu vaccine for their at-risk employees.

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Some of New York City’s largest employers – including Citigroup – have started receiving doses of the much-in-demand swine flu vaccine for their at-risk employees.

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Doctors for large companies can ask for the vaccine along with other doctors but must agree to vaccinate only high-risk employees like pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses, said Jessica Scaperotti, a spokeswoman for New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Last month, the city began offering vaccine to schoolchildren, as well as the offices of pediatricians and obstetricians that asked for it. Scaperotti said only half of the pediatricians in New York City have requested vaccine.

But a critic said Wall Street firms shouldn’t have access to the vaccine before less wealthy Americans.

“Wall Street banks have already taken so much from us. They’ve taken trillions of our tax dollars. They’ve taken away people’s homes who are struggling to pay the bills,” union official John VanDeventer wrote on the Service Employees International Union Web site. “But they should not be allowed to take away our health and well-being.”

The swine flu vaccine has been in short supply nationwide because of manufacturing delays.