TOMPKINS COUNTY, NY – Those with certain comorbidities can start applying for COVID-19 vaccinations in the state of New York now, with consultations beginning February 15. However, locally the Tompkins County Health Department will prioritize people aged 65 and over with an eligible comorbidity as they distribute vaccines.
Those under the age of 65, but have an eligible comorbidity, may seek further consultations. As of 2:15 pm on February 15, appointments were still available in Syracuse and Potsdam, although they could certainly be quick. State-run sites, of which there are 20 around New York, have received more dosages than sites in the local health department, such as the one administered by Tompkins County and Cayuga Health Services at Ithaca Mall.
In the meantime, when there is enough supply, the Tompkins County Health Department has announced that it will also grant eligibility to those who have one or more of the approved comorbidities, and that third-party proof will not be required for people to schedule or receive their vaccines . The self-certification form is here, and there will be ready physical versions at vaccination posts.
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According to the CDC and the New York State Department of Health, this is the list of comorbidities that qualify for eligibility:
- Cancer (current or in remission, including 9/11 related cancers);
- Chronic kidney disease;
- Lung disease, including, but not limited to, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate to severe), pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis and 9/11 related lung diseases;
- Intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome;
- Cardiac conditions, including but not limited to heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies or hypertension (high blood pressure);
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) including, but not limited to, solid organ transplantation or blood or bone marrow transplantation, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, use of other drugs to weaken the immune system or other causes;
- Severe obesity (BMI 40 kg / m2), Obesity (body mass index 30 kg / m2 or higher, but <40 kg / m2);
- Pregnancy;
- Sickle cell disease or thalassemia;
- Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus;
- Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and the blood supply to the brain);
- Neurological conditions, including but not limited to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia;
- Liver disease
Unlike some other places, smoking is not considered an eligible comorbidity in New York – at least not yet.
It is not yet clear how many doses of vaccine will be allocated to the county for distribution to those with comorbidities and others under the categorization of Phase 1B. In the past few weeks, the number of allocations for each week has been announced on Tuesdays, so perhaps more clarity will arrive on February 16.
“Individuals with comorbidities and those in older age groups are at increased risk for serious COVID-19-related illnesses,” said Kruppa. “Getting this population to be vaccinated more widely will protect the most vulnerable members of the community. We have developed this attestation form to simplify the process and remove additional barriers to accessing the vaccine. “
The continuous list of prioritized populations is here. Those with doubts can seek further information by sending an email to [email protected].