This week, Governor Andrew Cuomo reversed New York’s approach to the Covid-19 vaccine, weakening the requirements for everyone 65 and older.
The switch presented new logistical challenges. But government officials and local officials hope it puts more shots in the arms, following a disturbing initial rollout marked by delays and wastage.
People involved in the New York effort said the first month of distribution was plagued by public strife between government officials and local officials, threats from Mr. Cuomo fined $ 1 million for failing to comply with distribution rules and accusations of wrong decision-making.
New York, which has suffered more Covid-19 deaths than any other state, has distributed 37% of the 1.9 million doses of vaccine it has received since Friday, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The percentage is similar to Rust Belt states like Ohio and Pennsylvania, but behind large, populous states like Texas and Florida and smaller states like neighboring Connecticut, which used 51% of the allocation per CDC.
New York government officials have now opened Covid-19 vaccination rooms at university campuses, conference centers and stadiums because they have weakened the vaccine’s admission requirements.