As of Monday, teachers, first responders, and people aged 65 and older are among those who can now receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
The state is offering an “Am I Eligible?” application online that will show locations of nearby healthcare providers offering the vaccine. Learn more at covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.
The COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline is open 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week, for scheduling vaccination appointments for eligible New Yorkers. Call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).
Two vaccines have been authorized by the FDA and approved by New York State’s independent COVID-19 Clinical Advisory Task Force: a vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech and another that was developed by Moderna.
Governor Cuomo announced that as of Monday, Jan. 11, New Yorkers in Phase 1a and segments of Phase 1b are eligible for vaccination. Eligible groups include: doctors, nurses, and health care workers; people age 65 and over; first responders; teachers; public transit workers; grocery store workers; public safety workers; and more. A full list of eligible groups can be found on the state’s website.
All vaccinations are by appointment; residents and staff at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities will continue to be vaccinated through a federal program, which the state is providing resources to accelerate. Health care workers who are part of Phase 1a will continue to be vaccinated at hospitals and other clinical settings, according to state data.
Public employees, such as police or public-school teachers, will primarily be vaccinated through their groups’ relevant health programs or as organized by their unions. People aged 65 and over will mainly be vaccinated at pharmacies.
To be fully vaccinated, individuals will need two doses of the same vaccine, either Pfizer or Moderna, according to the state’s website. Vaccines are available to everyone in New York State at no cost.
Supply is currently “very limited,” Governor Cuomo announced. As supply increases, more New Yorkers will become eligible. Distribution to groups in Phase 1a and 1b is expected to take 14 weeks based on current projected vaccine availability.
“Eligible residents should anticipate it may be several weeks before they can get an appointment as demand far exceeds supply,” guidance from the state reads. “While the vaccination process is underway, every New Yorker should wear a mask, social distance and avoid small and large gatherings.”
Dutchess County has established initial Point of Dispensing (POD) locations to vaccinate eligible individuals by appointment only. According to the Dutchess County reports, registered individuals should be prepared to show identification including a driver’s license, pay stub, and work ID to verify eligibility.
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