Prioritize Vaccination For People 75+: Thiele

NEW YORK—Senior citizens who are 75 and over should get vaccine prioritization, New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele believes.

Thiele co-sponsored legislation introduced by Assembly Member Kenneth P. Zebrowski to establish a vaccine prioritization appointment for seniors.

"This cohort of individuals, who are some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers, were given only one day of prioritization before the state opened up the eligibility list to millions of additional New Yorkers," Thiele said.

One of the biggest issues with the vaccine rollout has been the "hodgepodge of providers and vaccine allocations. Individuals across the state are confused about where vaccines are being distributed in their community, how many are being distributed, who to contact, when to contact them, and how to contact them. This bill seeks to remedy this by creating a more centralized process, starting with our most vulnerable populations," Thiele said.

In addition, seniors over 75 disproportionately lack access to, and expertise with, computers and the internet, putting them at a disadvantage in scheduling COVID-19 vaccine appointments, Thiele said. If passed, the bill would direct the New York State Department of Health to provide eligible individuals with the opportunity to schedule an appointment in a centralized manner, either online or by phone. The DOH would be able to direct any vaccine site, both public and private, to allocate a number or percentage of their vaccine allotment to provide appointment slots for seniors, he said.

Also, if the bill is enacted, the DOH would then have to report to the legislature, no later than 30 days after the enactment of the law, and every 30 days after, on the number of vaccines administered to people over the age of 75 and the number of eligible individuals remaining, Thiele said.

After the 30 days, the bill would allow commissioners to identify additional population cohorts for prioritization following the previously established distribution schedule, Thiele said.

"Currently, there is little correlation between public health need and getting a COVID vaccine appointment. Being computer savvy shouldn't be the primary basis for getting the vaccine," Thiele said. "Now is the time to reform the current vaccine rollout system."