Yonkers Insider: Westchester County Board of Legislators Chair Ben Boykin, 5th District: REVISED VERSION: Teachers, People 75 and Older Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine in NYS.

 

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

New York State is distributing the COVID-19 vaccine in phases based on need and risk. State plans are changing frequently, but this is what we know as of the morning of January 11.

New Yorkers in Phase 1a and segments of Phase 1b currently are eligible for the vaccines.

Eligible groups include doctors, nurses and health care workers, and now people age 75 and over, first responders, teachers, public transit workers, grocery store workers and public safety workers. All vaccinations are by appointment only.

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.

People age 75 and over will primarily be vaccinated at pharmacies and other sites that are part of the “retail network.” New York State has an online tool to determine eligibility and find a vaccination location at https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/.

Beginning at 4 p.m. on Monday, January 11, the State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline will open for scheduling vaccination appointments for eligible New Yorkers: 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).

Public employees (for example, police departments, public school teachers and MTA employees) will primarily be vaccinated through their groups’ relevant health programs or as organized by their unions.

Prior to receiving the vaccination, you must complete the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form. This form can be completed online at https://forms.ny.gov/s3/vaccine you will receive a submission ID.  Alternatively, you can fill out the form at your vaccination site. Individuals being vaccinated must bring proof of eligibility to the vaccination site. This may include an employee ID card, a letter from an employer or affiliated organization, or a pay stub, depending on the specific priority status.

For more information about eligibility, phased distribution and more, visit https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/what-you-need-know.

Sincerely,