TOMPKINS COUNTY, N.Y.—New York State announced another large expansion of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, which will now include anyone over 60 years old, more essential workers and increased availability through vaccination sites.
Specifically, the changes, announced Tuesday, include the beginning of eligibility for anyone 60 years or older (it had previously been 65 or older) on March 10 and, starting on March 17, eligibility will expand to the following essential workers:
- Public-facing government and public employees
- Not-for-profit workers who provide public-facing services to New Yorkers in need
- Essential in-person public-facing building service workers
Further, the groups include public works employees, social service and child service caseworkers, government inspectors, sanitation workers, DMV workers, County Clerks, building service workers and election workers.
All of these groups are now able to sign up for the Tompkins County COVID-19 Vaccine Registry, and the health department is urging eligible populations to sign up for the registry, so that they will be able to know when appointments are available. Kinney Drugs also announced that they will be providing vaccinations for anyone over 60 years old and teachers, by appointment through their website.
While the state also announced that any vaccination site can vaccinate any eligible person with an appointment, Tompkins County will continue to announce prioritized populations via press release and through the registry, as it has over the last several weeks.
Those seeking a state appointment should consult the “Am I Eligible” tool to find an appointment.
Individuals being vaccinated must produce proof of eligibility.
- If an individual is eligible due to their employment status, they must prove they are employed in the State of New York.
- If an individual is eligible due to their age, they must produce proof of age and proof of residence in New York.
- If an individuals is eligible due to a comorbidity, they must sign the attestation form