With New York State under increasing pressure to allocate the various COVD-19 vaccinations that in some instances have been destroyed or continue to be stored without being used, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Jan. 8 that a new group of recipients would be eligible to receive the vaccinations.  

This new group – categorized as 1b – is confined to those 75 years and older as well as utility workers, corrections officers, first responders (police, firefighters, EMTs and support personal) and primary through grade 12 school faculty and staff, including licensed childcare providers.

For a full list of priority workers, click here.

People age 75 and over will primarily be vaccinated at pharmacies and other sites that are part of the “retail network.” Use the online tool to find a location.

As of Monday, Jan. 11, the COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline will open for scheduling vaccination appointments for eligible New Yorkers: 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).

“Residents need to be aware that we have already received reports where people are being contacted by scammers about how they can get a vaccine,” said Genesee County Legislature Chair Shelley Stein. “We are asking those who are eligible for the vaccine to please register on-line or call the COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline to schedule an appointment.”  

For others in groups 1a and 1b they can see local information about clinics and clinic schedules here and fill out a registration form and schedule an appointment. Clinics may fill quickly, so please be patient and check the site periodically.

In Genesee County, there are approximately 4,892 residents/ employees in 1a; and in Orleans County 4,321 in 1a residents/ employees. 

There are approximately 8,525 residents/ employees in 1b in Genesee County, including 4,809 age 75 years and older; and 6,032 residents/ employees in 1b Orleans County, including 2,959 age 75 years and older.

To date, approximately 200 doses of the vaccine have been received by both counties (400 total). Not all of the doses of the vaccination have been administered, but all of the doses are already scheduled for vaccination over the next few days.

“As the numbers demonstrate, there is nowhere near the amount of vaccine for the number of people who are eligible to receive it. This is a rapidly changing situation, so we understand the frustrations, questions and concerns that we are receiving from many residents,” Stein said.

“This whole process will be determined by the supply of the vaccines and as such we need to be flexible as we anticipate the situation will continue to change. We ask and urge patience among our residents.”