Photo via NYC Mayor’s Office.
By Carol Tannenhauser
Vaccine eligibility is being expanded in New York State starting tomorrow, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced at a press conference on Tuesday.
- Starting on Wednesday, March 10th, New Yorkers age 60 and older can be vaccinated.
- Starting on Wednesday, March 17th, government employees, nonprofit workers, and essential building service workers can be vaccinated. This includes workers such as public works employees, social service and child service caseworkers, government inspectors, sanitation workers, DMV workers, County Clerks, building service workers and election workers.
In addition, Cuomo announced that vaccine distribution guidelines are being expanded.
- Starting on March 10th, pharmacies can vaccinate those 60-plus and teachers.
- Starting on March 17th, all providers, except pharmacies, can vaccinate any eligible New Yorkers.
“New York is marching forward expanding access to the COVID-19 vaccine, addressing underserved communities and getting shots in arms as we turn the tide in the fight against this virus,” Governor Cuomo said. But he also warned that “New York’s vast distribution network and large population of eligible individuals still far exceed the supply coming from the federal government. Due to this limited supply, New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment.”
New Yorkers Can Make Appointments at State-Run Vaccination Sites by Utilizing New York’s ‘Am I Eligible‘ Tool or Calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX.
It is great that they are further expanding it. Personally, I would have flipped the two groups as the people in the second group are coming into contact with others as part of their jobs and should be higher priority. But it is only a matter of a week, so no big deal.
Hopefully we can get more vaccine supply and open up more slots for all who are eligible. But overall, the government is doing the best they can and I am grateful for their efforts.
Are essential building workers people like supers an doormen? If not they should be eligible
I’d love to know when pharmacies and doctor’s offices will be offering the vaccine to people under 60 with comorbidities.
They have for some time. You need a letter on official doctor/ hospital stationary that is called ” Confirmation Letter of the Existence of a Qualifying Condition for COVID-19 Vaccination.”
No place can turn you down regardless of your age .
Not true. Up until yesterday, 3/10, only those aged 65 and older could get vaccinated at pharmacies. Now it’s expanded to those 60 and older. Those under 60 still need to go to the state-run sites like the Javits Center (with their letter of comorbidity or proof of eligible occupation, etc.).
You can go to a city run site. I did that and it was in and out in 20 minutes. It was very well run and organized. It was up at 135th St and Amsterdam Ave at a High School. To get notice of these appointments follow @TurboVax on Twitter to get alerts. You can go to the city run sites if you have a comorbidity as well as all the other criteria.
On the anniversary of the first death in NY, ten percent of our population has been vaccinated, an unprecedented triumph of the science. We should take a moment to express our gratitude to President Biden for this accomplishment.
I did not realize that government employees like sanitation workers and child welfare caseworkers and building workers had not been in a priority category.
They should have been – along with anyone who must work inside.
If your standard is anyone who works inside, that would probably cover most people. As far as I know, sanitation workers work outside.
Sorry, but President Biden has done very little about what is currently available. In May, maybe… but not now. Sorry, if the truth hurts.
Was grateful to receive the J&J one dose last night at Javitz and was in & out, lightning fast. Faster, kinder and more organized than a TSA line at JFK! It was not only an impressive logistical feat, but (without exception) every person there to be vaccinated was in an upbeat, appreciative mood. A real “NYC” moment of unity and optimism.
Scheduling the appointment was a frustrating, woeful process…but going for the jab was fantastic. A heartfelt thank you to the soldiers, nurses and other Javitz/vaccine staff for their polite, friendly, thorough service.