ALBANY, N.Y. – New York expects to receive 170,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine as soon as this weekend, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The state has developed an initial distribution plan, pending U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of the vaccine, which could come as soon as tomorrow, Dec. 10.

Cuomo says nursing home residents and staff will receive vaccinations first, followed by high-risk hospital workers.

The state has issued guidance to help hospitals identify and prioritize high-risk workers, like those who worker in emergency rooms, intensive care units and pulmonary departments.

Pfizer’s vaccine is expected to be approved tomorrow by the FDA.

NY's panel will then convene to immediately review & approve.

We expect delivery of 170K doses as soon as THIS weekend.

First priority will be for nursing home residents & staff and high-risk hospital workers.

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) December 9, 2020

All high-risk workers are scheduled to receive the vaccine by the second week of distribution, according to Cuomo.

Of the 170,000 doses, the Mohawk Valley will receive 4,200 during this initial round.

Below is a breakdown of the estimated number vaccines by region:

• Capital Region: 7,850
• Central New York: 6,400
• Finger Lakes: 11,150
• Long Island: 26,500
• Mid-Hudson: 19,200
• Mohawk Valley: 4,200
• North Country: 3,700
• NYC: 72,000
• Southern Tier: 4,500
• Western New York: 14,500

According to Cuomo, for the vaccine to be effective, 75% - 85% of the population has to be vaccinated -- but he says roughly 50% of New Yorkers are unsure about getting it, claiming the process was rushed. Cuomo says the state will begin an initiative to educate the public on the vaccine so they can make informed decisions.