Expanded vaccine eligibility announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s welcoming news for many, but some local officials are frustrated with the announcement.
Some officials say there is a lack of communication between state and local governments.
Distribution to the influx of vaccine recipients was left up to county health departments, coming as news to many local leaders.
Meanwhile, other officials are frustrated that it even took this long to offer the vaccine to people with underlying health conditions.
“When the governor makes these announcements, public health departments get thousands upon thousands of phone calls asking what am I supposed to do,” said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.
“If you don’t have a comorbidity, if you’re not an essential worker, you shouldn’t be knocking those who are 95 or people who have comorbidities out of the line,” said Albany Assemblymember Pat Fahy.
State leaders still say the main issue is supply.
New York receives about 300,000 doses of the vaccine a wee, while more than 7,000,000 New Yorkers qualify to receive it.
