Some New Yorkers under the age of 65 with underlying medical conditions and eager to receive the COVID-19 vaccine have had their appointments canceled by CVS and Walgreens pharmacies, despite being eligible under state laws.
Complaints are piling up in New Yorkers after pharmacies failed to meet previously scheduled appointments, citing their age, although New York City made those below the age limit with comorbidities eligible for vaccination earlier this month.
Among those who had scheduled appointments was former Greenburgh city supervisor Paul Feiner, who accessed the city website to expose his complaint.
“I have a documented developmental disability – Larsen syndrome – and therefore I meet the current vaccination eligibility requirements according to the governor (Andrew) Cuomo decree of February 5, 2021,” he wrote in a letter to the cabinet. from Cuomo.
“I was able to schedule two appointments to be vaccinated at the Walgreens mentioned above – one for each dose, one month apart – which were canceled by Walgreens on the grounds that I did not meet the age requirements (over 65 years) according with company policy.
“This is ridiculous. Those under 65 who have medical problems deserve the vaccine, as well as those over 65 and are healthier.”
According to Walgreens representatives, pharmacies are “following the CDC guidelines” and are not adhering to Cuomo’s orders.
Questions to the state were referred to the individual pharmacies in question, which are tasked with scheduling their own vaccination appointments. Those trying to make an appointment online are warned that eligibility is limited and that not all states have the same eligibility rules in place.
A spokesman for the state Department of Health noted that the current requirement is for pharmacies to prioritize those over 65, which “has been stated numerous times by the governor and is clearly set out in several guidance documents and an executive order. ”
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