New York Gets Moving with Vaccine Distribution

     In late January, that’s when state’s essential workers are slated to receive the jab.
 
     There is little information regarding the widespread distribution of the vaccine to the general public at this point though Gov. Andrew Cuomo has revealed the first details of an essential worker vaccination program at his press conference earlier this week. Hospital workers have already started getting vaccinated.
 
      In October, the Federal government issued rules requiring the administration of the vaccine free of charge. Those rules covered the vast majority of Americans. This week, New York’s top financial regulator directed the same for New York-regulated health plans, which cover largely the same plans.
 
     Large hospital systems will oversee the distribution in each region of the state. Pharmacies, like Walgreens and CVS, are also participating in vaccine distribution, with their efforts focused on places like nursing homes for now.
 
     Coordinators must submit a regional distribution plan to the state by the first week of January. The Metro NY vaccine administrators are as follows:
 

Region Distribution Coordinator

New York City Greater New York Hospital Assoc.

Long Island Northwell Health Systems

Mid-Hudson Westchester Medical Center

More details will emerge over the coming weeks and months. GNYADA will keep members updated on the progress of the vaccination plan and when you and your workers might become eligible.

In the meantime, dealers need to adhere all the safety protocols that have been issued by the Governor’s Health Department and the office of the CDC. The Association has been in touch with dealers and labor groups who are reporting numerous employees testing positive for COVID-19. One extreme situation we heard about was a dealership that had 3 key department managers plus the dealer principal who tested positive. Even with the positive news of the vaccine we are not out of the woods and need to follow the safety protocols.