This week, Governor Andrew Cuomo reversed New York’s approach to the Covid-19 vaccine and relaxed eligibility requirements for everyone 65 and older.
The switch has brought new logistical challenges. But state and local officials hope it will spur more guns after a troubled initial rollout marked by delays and wastage.
People involved in New York’s efforts said the first month of the distribution was plagued by public quarrels between state and local officials, threats from Mr. Cuomo of $ 1 million in fines for non-compliance with distribution rules, and allegations of wrong decision making.
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York, which has suffered more deaths with Covid-19 than any other state, has divided 37% of the 1.9 million vaccine doses it has received since Friday. The percentage is comparable to Rust Belt states like Ohio and Pennsylvania, but behind large, densely populated states like Texas and Florida and smaller states like neighboring Connecticut, which used 51% of its allocation, according to the CDC.
New York State officials have now opened Covid-19 vaccination sites on college campuses, convention centers and stadiums, as they relaxed entry requirements for the vaccine.