NY expanding vaccine eligibility to 60+ residents, 'public-facing' government, nonprofit workers

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- New York state will expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all New Yorkers ages 60 or older, as well as "public-facing" government employees, nonprofit workers and essential building service workers, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday.

New Yorkers who are 60 years of age or older will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting Wednesday, March 10, Cuomo said in a press release.

Public-facing government and public employees, public-facing nonprofit workers and public-facing essential building service workers, meanwhile, will be eligible starting Wednesday, March 17.

Public works employees, social service and child service caseworkers, government inspectors, sanitation workers, DMV workers, County Clerks, building service workers and election workers are included in that category, the governor noted.

Cuomo on Tuesday also said vaccine providers across the state — with the exception of pharmacies — would be allowed to vaccinate "any eligible New Yorker," rather than focusing on specific populations starting March 17.

Pharmacy vaccines will be reserved for residents who are 60 years of age or older, as well as teachers, "in line with federal policy," the governor noted.

"New York is marching forward expanding access to the COVID-19 vaccine, addressing underserved communities and getting shots in arms as we turn the tide in the fight against the virus," he said in a statement.

"New Yorkers over 60 yeras old and those who serve their fellow New Yorkers in the public sector are more vulnerable to COVID-19, and we're addressing that vulnerability by providing access to the vaccine," he added.

Eligible New Yorkers can schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments at state sites by using New York's "Am I Eligible" website or by calling the state's COVID-19 vaccination hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).