New York Extends Vaccination Opportunities to Those with Comorbidities and underlying Conditions

On February 8, 2021, New York’s Governor Cuomo announced a list of comorbidities and underlying conditions that expand the eligibility for vaccine receival. This list will be used when determining eligibility — it does not exclude certain occupations and instead focuses on health disparities. Alongside this, Cuomo has also stated that by February 14, persons of these groups can begin making appointments to receive the vaccine as early as February 15.

Members of these groups must provide proof via doctor’s letter, medical information evidencing comorbidity, or a signed certification determined by the local government. Each local health department will determine how, where, and when to schedule appointments. Excess doses that were for healthcare workers are being used for this open eligibility as New York begins to close out phase one of vaccine distribution to frontline healthcare workers.

New York state will audit the local systems during this process. The comorbidities list is subject to change as more scientific evidence is released and will update as information does. Adults of any age with the following conditions that place them at high risk of illness or death from the virus are listed below.

• Cancer (current or in remission, including 9/11-related cancers)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Pulmonary Disease, including but not limited to, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and 9/11 related pulmonary diseases
• Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities including Down Syndrome
• Heart conditions, including but not limited to heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, or hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) including but not limited to solid organ transplant or from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, use of other immune weakening medicines, or other causes
• Severe Obesity (BMI 40 kg/m2), Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
• Pregnancy
• Sickle cell disease or Thalassemia
• Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus
• Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
• Neurologic conditions including but not limited to Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia
• Liver disease

*Please note, since this broadened of qualification of the vaccination population, the shortage of the vaccine might be an issue and do take advantage of any opportunities to get the vaccine.

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