This week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo reversed New York’s approach to the Covid-19 vaccine, weakening eligibility requirements for anyone 65 and older.
The switch has opened up new logistical challenges. But state and local officials hope it will put more fire in its arms, after a troubled initial launch, marked by delays and waste.
People involved in the New York effort said the first month of distribution was affected by public disputes between state and local officials, Mr. Cuomo’s $ 1 million fines for non-compliance with distribution rules and accusations of decision-making. wrong.
New York, which has suffered more Covid-19 deaths than any other state, has distributed 37 percent of the 1.9 million doses of vaccine it has received since Friday, according to the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The percentage is equal to Rust Belt states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania, but behind large and populated states such as Texas and Florida and smaller states such as neighboring Connecticut, which used 51% of its allocation on the CDC.
New York State officials have now opened Covid-19 vaccination sites on university campuses, convention centers and stadiums as they have weakened vaccine eligibility requirements.