Thread by @MarkLevineNYC

On Monday the largest single expansion yet in covid vaccine eligibility in NYC takes effect, covering all adults with underlying medical conditions.

Here is a thread on where, when, and how this new group can get vaccinated. 1/

If you have underlying conditions the best place to start for a vaccination is your current medical provider (for those who have one). Hospitals & many clinics are getting ready to vaccinate their patients in this group--but be prepared that they face severe supply shortages. 2/

State- and City-run vax sites will offer vaccination to those w/ underlying conditions starting this week. The State’s scheduling system will allow this group to start making appointments beginning at 8:00 a.m. Sunday. 3/

City-run vaccine hubs are now only running from Thursday-Sunday due to supply shortages. They generally post new appointments on Tues/Weds, and will allow people with underlying conditions to schedule by that point this week. 4/

Pharmacies in NY are restricted to vaccinating those aged 65+, so these locations are not yet an option for those who are younger with underlying conditions. 5/

There are three ways to document your underlying condition in NY:
* Medical record
* Letter from doctor
* Self-attestation
6/

The self-attestation option is critical for those who don’t have easy access to a doctor. It appears the State sites will require signing a certification, while for City-sites it will be a check-off in the on-line application. 7/

Here is the current list of qualifying underlying conditions. (For now you still have to be aged 16+).

It is possible other conditions will be added over time, you can check here for updates: www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid…
8/

There is unfortunately some vagueness in the list of underlying conditions. For example, it does not specify whether neurological conditions include ALS, epilepsy, etc. For now the best advice is that if you fall into a grey area, seek guidance from your medical provider. 9/

Pregnancy is listed as a qualifying underlying condition in NY. You should consult with your medical provider if this applies to you, but there are extremely encouraging signs on this so far:
axios.com/fauci-pregnant…
10/

At this moment there unfortunately is not a program to administer vaccines to people who are homebound due to medical conditions. But NYC has just announced that such a program will start as soon as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is available. (Since it’s easier to handle.) 11/

1 million+ people are going to be added to vaccine eligibility in NYC on Monday. So the crush for appointments will be intense. We need to fight for more supply, a better scheduling system, and greater efforts to overcome the inequity of vaccination so far. Much work ahead. 12/12