New York State Expands Criteria for Vaccine Eligibility

Dear Members of the Syracuse University Community:

A short time ago, while speaking at the New York State Fairgrounds, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced an expansion of the population now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Most notably, beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, March 10, individuals age 60 or older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The governor also announced the following:

1. All vaccination sites, with the exception of pharmacies, will be able to vaccinate any eligible individuals.
2. Starting Wednesday, March 17, individuals who work in public-facing roles, who otherwise do not qualify for the vaccine (based on age for example) will be eligible to receive the vaccine.

Our government relations and public health teams are working to seek further guidance and clarity on the expansion of vaccine eligibility, particularly as it relates to how New York State is defining those working in a “public-facing” role, and therefore eligible beginning March 17. As soon as we receive detailed guidance from New York State, we will immediately communicate that information to the campus community. We are hopeful this expansion will allow more of our staff, especially those who have been on the front lines from day one, to qualify for the COVID vaccination.

As always, we will continue to monitor guidance from state, county and local officials and relay any pertinent public health updates. Please continue to visit Syracuse.edu/staysafe for the latest information about the University’s COVID-19 response.

Sincerely,

J. Michael Haynie
Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation