COVID-19 vaccinations are now open to people in the state's group 1B, but there is some confusion about how you can sign up.
Group 1B includes public workers, teachers, and people 75 and older.
The easiest way to confirm you are a part of group 1B is to fill out the “Am I Eligible” survey on the New York forward website. Starting at 4 p.m. Monday, there will be a state health department hotline open at: 1-833-n-y-s-4-vax or 1-833-697-4829.
When you call this hot line you'll be able to find a location to get the vaccine near you, and you'll be able to make an appointment if you're currently eligible.
Here's where you should expect to get your vaccine from:
- People 75 plus will mostly be vaccinated by pharmacies.
- Public workers should expect to be vaccinated through their employers or unions.
- Hospitals will continue to be the main source to vaccinate the people in group 1A.
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul says finishing vaccines for group 1A and getting through group 1B will not be quick.
Currently the state is getting 300,000 doses per week.
At that rate it will take about 14 weeks, or three and a half months, to get through groups 1A and 1B.
Hochul says they hope the Biden administration will be able to increase the distribution rate.