New York lowers vaccine age eligibility to 60

New York is expanding vaccine eligibility to everyone over the age of 60 beginning March 10, officials announced.

Previously, only residents 65 and up, as well as certain essential workers and people with specific certain underlying conditions were eligible for the vaccine.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) on Tuesday also said public facing essential workers from governmental and nonprofit entities will be eligible beginning March 17. 

This includes public works employees, social service and child service caseworkers, government inspectors, sanitation workers and DMV workers.

Public-facing gov’t employees, nonprofit workers & essential building service workers are eligible for the vaccine beginning March 17.

All sites can vaccinate anyone who is eligible—except pharmacies which will be reserved to vaccinate 60+ & teachers.https://t.co/SqtxtKYQJ4

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 9, 2021

New York has administered nearly 6 million doses of the vaccine so far, Cuomo said, adding that he will make an appointment for himself now that he is eligible at age 63.

The governor also said the state will lift restrictions on which providers can administer vaccines. Previously, certain types of providers were directed to focus their vaccination efforts on specific populations to ensure equitable vaccine distribution.

Beginning March 17, “every site can vaccinate anyone who is eligible,” Cuomo said, with the exception of pharmacies, which will focus on individuals over the age of 60 and teachers.

Educators of any age are now eligible for vaccines in every state in the country, after President Biden last week called for states to prioritize them.

Vaccine eligibility varies across states, as supply is still short of the demand. Manufacturers are ramping up distribution and delivery, and Biden has said there will be enough doses by the end of May for every American who wants a shot.