Having the state run the vaccine distribution is frustrating local health officials.
During the Chautauqua County Health Board meeting, Christine Schuyler, county public health director and social services commissioner, said the state has restrictions on who they can provide a vaccine to.
“Local health departments across the state now can only vaccinate essential workers in Phase 1b,” she said.
The other approved vaccine providers include hospitals, urgent care centers, federally qualified health centers and pharmacies. Hospitals and the health centers are to focus on vaccinating the Phase 1a population (health care workers), although they have some flexibility. Pharmacies are only permitted to vaccinate those 65 and older.