Stay safe. Stay healthy.
Last week, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the federal supply of the COVID-19 vaccine will increase over the next three weeks. In particular, private pharmacies in New York State that are charged with prioritizing the 65+ population will receive an additional 10% directly – or approximately 30,000 total doses – from the federal government to supplement the doses allocated to them by New York State.
Because New York State’s supply will increase, Governor Cuomo is granting localities the flexibility to add taxi drivers, restaurant workers, and developmentally disabled facilities to the 1b vaccine prioritization group.
According to Livingston County Administrator Ian M. Coyle, “We continue to deal with vaccine supply and demand issues among the already-approved Phase 1a and Phase 1b groups, which include the 65+ population. Until the vaccine supply increases and demand decreases, we cannot – in good conscience – expand the pool of eligible groups.”
“As the vaccine rollout continues, we encourage all residents to remain patient and to keep checking our website for updates,” stated Jennifer Rodriguez, Livingston County’s Public Health Director. “Please know we will work expeditiously to add other 1b prioritization groups to our list of eligible residents once supply increases.”
To determine your eligibility and schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site, you can visit the ‘Am I Eligible’ website. You may also call your local health department, pharmacy, doctor, or hospital for additional information and to schedule appointments where vaccines are available. We encourage you to visit the Livingston County COVID-19 Vaccine Information webpage at https://www.livingstoncounty.us/vaccine or call the Livingston County Department of Health toll-free number at 1-877-280-6775 for more information on the COVID-19 vaccine.
Other resources for area citizens during this pandemic are·
The COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker Dashboard provides regular updates on the distribution and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine across New York State.
If you suspect fraud in the vaccine distribution process, please call 833-VAX-SCAM (833-829-7226) toll-free or email the state Department of Health at STOPVAXFRAUD@health.ny.gov.
