Some New Yorkers under the age of 65 with underlying medical conditions eager to receive the COVID-19 vaccine have had their appointments canceled by the CVS and Walgreens pharmacies, even though they are eligible under state laws.
Complaints are piling up from New Yorkers after the pharmacies did not adhere to the appointments made earlier, citing their age, although New York was able to accommodate those under the age limit with comorbidities earlier this month.
Among those who had appointments was Greenburgh Town longtime supervisor Paul Feiner, who went to the city’s website to air his grievance.
“I have a documented developmental disability – Larsen Syndrome – and therefore meet the current requirements for vaccination according to the decision of Governor (Andrew) Cuomo of 5 February 2021,” he wrote in a letter to Cuomo’s office.
“I was able to plan two appointments to be vaccinated with the aforementioned Walgreens – one for each dose, one month apart – which was eventually canceled by Walgreens because I did not meet the age requirements (65+).
“It’s ridiculous. Those under 65 who have medical problems deserve the vaccination, just like those who are over 65 and healthier.”
According to Walgreens’ representatives, the pharmacies follow “the CDC guidelines” and do not adhere to Cuomo’s instructions.
Questions to the state were referred to the relevant pharmacies, which have the task of discussing their own vaccination appointments. Those trying to book an appointment online are warned that suitability is limited and that not all states have the same rules to be eligible.
A spokesman for the state Department of Health noted that the current requirement is that pharmacies should prioritize those over the age of 65, which has been stated several times by the governor and clearly set out in various clues and an executive order. ‘
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