ALBANY, N.Y. – The New York State Health Department will expand vaccine eligibility to those in Phase 1B of the state’s plan next week, and those people can begin scheduling appointments Monday. The state will also begin opening more distribution centers next week to accomodate the increased number of people eligible to get vaccinated.

According to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the distribution centers will include doctor’s offices, federally qualified health centers, county health departments and ambulatory centers. A webinar will be held Monday to advise these venues on next steps.

Below is a list of people included in Phase 1B, and the approximate number of people in each population:

• People over the age of 75 (1.4 million)
• Teachers and other education workers (870,000)
• First responders like police officers and firefighters (207,000)
• Public safety workers (100,000)
• Public transit workers (100,000)

Starting Monday, NYS will begin scheduling vaccinations for the next group of people (Phase 1b):

-People age 75+
-Education workers
-First responders (police, fire)
-Public transit workers
-Public safety workers

Sites will include pharmacies, drs' offices, Javits Center & more.

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) January 8, 2021

Cuomo says the state currently receives roughly 300,000 doses per week. With 3.2 million New Yorkers falling into categories in Phase 1B, in addition to 1 million that still need to be vaccinated from Phase 1A, the health department estimates it will take 14 weeks to get through these populations.

Some perspective:

Without increased supply we expect it will take 14 weeks to vaccinate the Phase 1a and 1b groups.

That would take us to April 16.

We MUST continue being cautious.

Wear a mask. Social distance. Be smart.

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) January 8, 2021

The governor warned that, initially, the supply of vaccines available to people in Phase 1B would be limited, and health care workers in Phase 1A would take priority.

So far, 13,547 people in Phase 1A have been vaccinated in the Mohawk Valley, with 45,453 still to go.

The state is also asking large union groups to organize the administration of their group’s vaccinations if possible. This includes police stations, fire departments and teachers’ unions.

The pool of people who can administer vaccines has also been expanded to include:

• Practical nurses
• Pharmacists
• Pharmacy technicians
• Midwives
• Dentists
• Podiatrists
• EMTs
• Eligible students

To schedule vaccination appointments at local hospitals, click here, and click on 'Sites for Vaccine Clinics.' Click on the specific hospital to register for an appointment at that location.

Anyone looking to get vaccinated must also fill out this form.

For more information about vaccination phases and how to get vaccinated, click here.