Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Mike Groll via AP
More front-line workers in New York state will be included in the first phase of COVID-19 vaccinations in the state, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday.
In a press briefing on Monday from Albany, the Democratic governor said federally-qualified health center workers, EMTs, coroners, medical examiners, funeral home workers and other congregate care workers and residents would be among those also receiving the vaccine this week.
Asked if this would include pharmacy workers from CVS and Walgreens tasked by a federal program to vaccinate those in congregate facilities Cuomo and state Division of Budget director Robert Mujica indicated that they would, in fact, be among those receiving the vaccine.
etichy@post-journal.com
CVS and Walgreens have partnered with the federal government to administer COVID-19 vaccines. The first doses, outside of hospitals, will go to residents and staff at long-term care facilities.
AP photo
Concerns have been raised by those being tasked with administering the COVID-19 vaccine to residents and staff at area long-term care facilities, which could begin as soon as early next week.
Those concerns largely center on the vaccination phases outlined by the Chautauqua County Department of Health and which mirror state and federal priority guidelines. The federal governmental has contracted with CVS and Walgreens across the country to administer the vaccine to combat the coronavirus. Those scheduled to get the first doses include health care workers, emergency medical services personnel and nursing home patients and employees.