Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Tuesday, January 12, that people age 65 and up are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine after the CDC is expected to change recommendations on who should be included in “Group 1B.”
The CDC is expected to revise guidance to include people age 65+ and people ages 16-64 with underlying medical conditions to Group 1B. Governor Cuomo said more information about what qualifies as an underlying medical condition or “immunocompromised” before adding that group to vaccine eligibility is being sought.
- The state’s website will now allow people 65 and up to book vaccine appointments. Visit https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/. State residents may also call the NYS Vaccination Hotline: 1-833-NYS-4VAX (1-833-697-4829).
Already included in Group 1B: People 75 and older, first responders, public safety officers, teachers and other school staff; in-person college instructors, childcare workers, public-facing grocery store workers, transit workers and individuals living and working in homeless shelters.
- New York’s phase distribution guidelines may be found at: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/phased-distribution-vaccine