NEW YORK (WBEN ) – New York ranks 44th among U.S. states in vaccinating people over 65 years old, according to CDC data.
Across the U.S., older people have generally been given vaccine priority since they're more at risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
While 73% of people over 65 in the U.S. have received at least one vaccine dose, 28% of people 18-65 have, according to the CDC.
However, in New York state 67% of people over 65 have received their first shot, while 32% of people 18-65 have.
"The disparity suggests that New York's vaccination policies and procedures are giving younger people an advantage relative to other states," according to the Empire Center, a government watchdog.
The Empire Center says younger adults may have the upper hand in navigating the appointment scheduling process amid a limited number of available slots.
Even more younger adults will vie for those appointments on Tuesday, when New York is expanding vaccine eligibility to people 16 years and older. It will come just a week after eligibility was expanded to New Yorkers 30 years and older.
New Jersey is seeing similar issues getting seniors vaccinated, ranking 41st in the country. Connecticut ranks 2nd.
New Yorkers can schedule an appointment at a state-run site via the Am I Eligible app or by calling the New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).
