You are reading

Public Could Begin Getting Vaccine By End Of January: Cuomo

Dec. 16, 2020 By Allie Griffin

With high-risk health care workers now being vaccinated for COVID-19, Governor Andrew Cuomo is putting plans in place to bring the vaccine to the public by the end of next month.

Cuomo said New Yorkers with underlying health conditions could be vaccinated by the end of January along with all essential workers. He said this would represent the second phase of the state’s vaccine distribution plan.

“On the current schedule, we think we get to Phase II by late January,” Cuomo said during a press briefing Wednesday. He noted that the vaccine would be free.

The state began Phase I of the vaccine distribution plan this week by vaccinating high-risk health care workers who tend to patients in emergency rooms and ICUs. On Monday, the first New Yorker — and American — to be vaccinated for COVID-19 was a Queens ICU nurse.

Cuomo said the state has already received about 87,750 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and expects another roughly 80,000 doses over the next few days.

The state will soon start vaccinating nursing homes residents and staff — who are also included in Phase I of the distribution plan. This phase also includes long-term care residents and staff, EMS workers, other health care workers, coroners and medical examiners.

The state will then move into Phase II to vaccinate all essential workers as well as members of the public who are at greater risk of complications or death from COVID-19.

Cuomo has appointed a local hospital system in each region of the state to develop a Phase II distribution plan. The Greater New York Hospital Association will develop New York City’s plan.

“This is a medical operation, not a political operation,” Cuomo explained of his decision to recruit hospital systems rather than going to local governments for the vaccine distribution plans.

The hospital systems will work with stakeholders — such as the government officials, community-based organizations and health organizations – to create a distribution plan for their respective region.

The state will then review the plan and upon its approval will provide the logistical support needed to distribute the vaccine, Cuomo said.

The governor said he hopes to establish the best vaccine program in the country and make New York the first “COVID-free state.”

“This state paid more than its fair share for COVID and what we went through in the spring,” Cuomo said. “I want to make sure that we are doing everything we can to be the first state to kill this beast.”

About 75 to 85 percent of a population must be vaccinated for COVID-19 to develop herd immunity.

New York is expecting 346,000 doses of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine next week — pending federal approval.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Finding Room to Grow: NYC Apartment Buildings Designed with Families in Mind

Jul. 29, 2025 By Tara Lustberg

Finding family-friendly housing in NYC can be a challenge, especially with the average rent of a two-bedroom apartment in NYC averaging over $5,400 per month, according to apartments.com. According to reports, this is significantly higher (148%) than the national average and has increased by 7% since December 2023. But some properties offer thoughtful amenities for families, making city living seem more manageable.

Borough President recommends approval of One LIC Neighborhood Plan with conditions

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards announced on Monday a long list of recommendations to approve the city’s One LIC Neighborhood Plan with conditions.

The sweeping proposal entered the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) in April, following certification by the City Planning Commission, and aims to transform a large portion of Long Island City with new zoning rules that would create nearly 14,700 housing units—including 4,300 affordable homes—alongside 14,400 jobs, over 3.5 million square feet of commercial and industrial space and expanded access to the East River waterfront.

Cool off this summer with margaritas in Queens

Jul. 25, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The summer season ushers in outdoor adventures, extended daylight hours and sweltering heat, making it the perfect time to kick back at a local restaurant or bar and order a refreshing margarita. Sipping on this tequila-infused cocktail is one of the best ways to beat the heat and revel with margarita connoisseurs in your neighborhood.