Governor Andrew Cuomo announced an expansion of New York State’s COVID-19 vaccine eligibility stating that beginning tomorrow (March 10) New Yorkers age 60 years or older may be vaccinated. The Governor also announced that beginning March 17, eligibility will further expand to include additional public-facing essential workers:
- Public-facing government and public employees
- Not-for-profit workers who provide public-facing services to New Yorkers in need
- Essential in-person public-facing building service workers
With the increased supply of vaccine and to align with the March 17 expanded eligibility, New York State is also relaxing restrictions concerning which segments of the eligible population specific providers can vaccinate. Vaccine providers, including hospitals, will be able to vaccinate any eligible New Yorker. Pharmacies, however, will continue to focus on individuals over the age of 60 and teachers, in line with Federal policy.
GNYHA is seeking clarification on these newly eligible populations and how the eligibility expansion may change the existing guidance on how hospitals may administer the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson vaccine. DOH has instructed hospitals to use Janssen for vaccinating only the following populations:
- Individuals being discharged from inpatient care, prioritizing those 65 years of age or older first, followed by those ages 18-64 with one or more of the currently eligible comorbidities or underlying conditions
- Then non-hospital patients who are 65 years of age or older
GNYHA’s COVID-19 Vaccination page includes a compilation of recent COVID-19 vaccine distribution program updates and guidance.