NYS Frontline Workers, Teachers, Could Receive Vaccinations in January

Under New York's Phase 2 plan for the COVID-19 vaccine, frontline workers, teachers, and other vulnerable employees could be next in line.

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If the supply chain holds up, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is optimistic that Phase 2 of vaccinations could get underway at the beginning of 2021. According to WIVB, Gov. Cuomo gave New Yorkers some hope with the announcement on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, but still remained cautious,

“The dates tend to change with the federal government,” Cuomo warned. “That’s not a criticism. I know they’re trying to move a lot of big pieces very quickly.”

Frontline workers, who have worked so hard and put themselves in harm's way throughout the pandemic, should be the next group to receive COVID-19 vaccines in January. New York State’s Vaccination Program Book specifies that school employees who are working in person, essential workers, first responders, and people who have a higher likelihood of having complications or dying from COVID-19 will receive vaccines next.

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While there is no specific timeline, the other phases include the following groups:

- Phase 3: The elderly and people under the age of 65 who are at higher risk due to comorbidities like diabetes, cancer, hypertension, etc.
- Phase 4: All other essential workers
- Phase 5: The general population

So far, New York has received 87,750 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, with another 80,000 doses expected soon.

Governor Cuomo acknowledges that vaccinating New Yorkers will not be an easy task, but it is imperative,

"This is the most ambitious governmental operation ever undertaken, but we are New Yorkers, and we always set the bar high. We want to be the first COVID-free state and that means remaining diligent. New Yorkers have already paid more than their fair share for COVID, but by staying united, tough and smart, we will reach the light at the end of the tunnel."

According to Governor Cuomo's website, Catholic Health System will be the Western New York region's Regional Vaccination Hub Coordinator.

You can keep up with COVID-19 vaccine news and information here.

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