Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that New Yorkers with comorbidities can make COVID-19 vaccine appointments at state-run sites beginning Feb. 14.
People with
underlying health conditions must have a doctor's letter or signed proof of comorbidity before getting the vaccine. Some qualifying conditions include asthma, pregnancy, and people over 16 years old with diabetes.
Cuomo admits there will be some level of fraud and mistakes but hopes the safeguard of requiring proof will make distribution equal.
Cuomo says it's on local governments to roll out vaccine signups for people with comorbidities.
"New York state Department of Health will do a call with the county executives and local health departments to talk through and explain the comorbidity validation process," says Cuomo.
Westchester Executive George Latimer is preaching patience as thousands of newly eligible people try to sign up for an expected 1,300 doses for the upcoming week.
The state has used 90% of its doses allocated in the first eight weeks with nearly 2.5 million administered so far.