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New York's COVID vaccination Phase 1-B begins today

FDA.gov / FDA

Phase 1-B of New York’s COVID vaccination distribution strategy is underway today.

The state’s registration website went live Monday morning, while reservations by phone were to begin Monday afternoon. (Click here for the link to the state's "Am I eligible?" website.) (Click here for the COVID Vaccine form.)

Under Phase 1-B, individuals ages 75 and older may sign up for their first dose of COVID vaccine. So, too, may first responders including police officers and firefighters, public safety officers, court and corrections officers, teachers and public transport workers. (Click here for a full list of who is eligible to receive the COVID vaccine under Phase 1-B.)

The state was scheduled to begin accepting reservations by telephone beginning 4 p.m. Monday. The number to call is 1-833-697-4829 (833-NYS-4-VAX).

Erie County health officials, meanwhile, said a limited number of spaces remained open through Tuesday for those able to receive the COVID vaccine under Phase 1-A. They have also forwarded a link that allows eligible recipients to be updated on availability (click here).

State leaders, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo, warned Friday that people eligible under Phase 1-B may need to wait as late as April to receive their first due dose. Officials blame the long wait on what they say is a limited number of doses being sent to New York state each week by the federal government, about 300,000 doses weekly.

Michael Mroziak is an experienced, award-winning reporter whose career includes work in broadcast and print media. When he joined the WBFO news staff in April 2015, it was a return to both the radio station and to Horizons Plaza.
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