New York State released a list of underlying comorbidities and health conditions to determine eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine.
New Yorkers of any age who have one of the comorbidities on the list will be eligible for the vaccine as of February 15, as the following conditions represent an increased risk of moderate or severe illness or death from the virus that causes COVID-19. The conditions are:
- 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 lung diseases related to 9/11
- 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 condition (weakened immune system) including, but not limited to, solid organ 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 [BMI] 30 kg / m2 or greater, but <40 kg / m2)
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
- Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus
- Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
- Neurological conditions including, but not limited to, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
- Liver disease
The list is subject to change as scientific evidence is published and the state obtains and analyzes additional New York-specific data.
“New Yorkers with underlying comorbidities and conditions exist in the entire population of the state – they are our teachers, lawyers and carpenters, in addition to the doctors who keep us safe every day, and they are a highly affected population,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo in a statement.
“We are committed to vaccinating vulnerable populations that have suffered the most, as we distribute a strictly limited supply of vaccines, and people with comorbidities account for 94 percent of the state’s COVID deaths. That is why we will open eligibility for people with comorbidities to from February 15 and give hospitals the ability to use extra doses to serve this population. Local governments have a week to prepare for the new change – they need to prepare now, “continued the governor’s statement.