Pharmacists in New York can now offer COVID-19 vaccines to anyone with an underlying condition, health officials say.
The state Department of Health said that from March 17, pharmacies are ‘authorized to vaccinate individuals with comorbidities or underlying conditions’.
Previously, pharmacies were limited to the administration of people after 60 years and older, school workers and child care workers.
However, other eligible groups, such as workers in the food industry, managers of drivers and managers and first responders, may not join the pharmacies.
The expanded suitability of pharmacies is due to the fact that more than 7.5 million doses of vaccine have been administered in the state – with so far at least 3.4 million in the Big Apple.
“As we transcend another milestone with the vaccinations in our ongoing war against COVID, we must remember that we are still in the footsteps of the infection rate and other important measures,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.
‘We have made remarkable progress, but we need to remain vigilant and determined as we open up more sectors of our economy. Every increase in personal activity can have consequences if we do not do it right.
“In the meantime, I urge all eligible New Yorkers who have yet to be vaccinated to sign up for an appointment immediately, and to come back for their second dose, if necessary.”