Trevor James
New York City restaurant workers are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, according to Governor Andrew Cuomo. This decision comes after indoor dining returned to the city, with many in the industry expressing concern for their safety. While eligibility has expanded, actually getting an appointment has been difficult for many, with long wait times and scarce appointments. The state has left the decision-making process up to local governments, who can determine prioritization based on their supply and worker groups.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Announcement | 2nd February 2021 |
| Announced By | Governor Andrew Cuomo |
| Eligibility | Restaurant workers, taxi drivers, and workers at facilities for the developmentally disabled |
| Decision Making | Left to local governments |
| Supply Issues | Yes |
| Start Date | 8th February 2021 |
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What You'll Learn
Who is eligible for the vaccine in New York State?
On February 2, 2021, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that restaurant workers would be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. This decision came after indoor dining in New York City was reopened at 25% capacity, which many in the restaurant industry felt was unsafe. The eligibility includes not just porters, servers, and cooks, but also delivery workers, who are particularly vulnerable as independent contractors without guaranteed income or benefits.
The federal government released additional vaccines to New York, allowing the state to distribute 20% more vaccines to local governments. However, the decision to distribute the vaccines was left to local governments, based on their supplies and priorities. This led to confusion, with some vaccine sites turning away restaurant workers and long wait times for appointments.
Other groups that became eligible for the vaccine at this time included taxi drivers and workers at facilities for the developmentally disabled. The pool of vaccine-eligible individuals in Phase 1b was expected to expand further in February, with "other frontline essential workers" and "other at-risk groups". Phase 1c, which may start in March or April, includes "all other essential workers", and the general public will likely have access to the vaccine starting in the summer.
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What does 'eligible' mean in this context?
On February 2, 2021, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that restaurant workers were eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. This decision came after indoor dining in New York City was reopened at 25% capacity, which meant that restaurant workers would be in enclosed places with people eating and drinking.
Prior to this, Governor Cuomo had stated that restaurant workers had not been made eligible for the vaccine because the state had a limited vaccine supply. However, the federal government released additional vaccines to New York, allowing the state to distribute 20% more vaccines to local governments. This increase in supply allowed the state to expand vaccine eligibility to include restaurant workers.
While the state made restaurant workers eligible for the vaccine, the actual decision-making regarding distribution was left up to local governments, who could determine prioritization based on the supplies they received and which workers they wanted to prioritize. This meant that restaurant workers' eligibility for the vaccine depended on their local government's decision and vaccine supply.
Being eligible in this context means that restaurant workers were allowed to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, but their ability to get vaccinated depended on the availability of appointments and the local government's prioritization. While eligibility expanded the pool of individuals who could receive the vaccine, it did not guarantee immediate access to the vaccine due to supply issues and high demand.
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How do people prove their employment?
In New York, businesses with fewer than 250 people indoors or 500 people outdoors (e.g. retail, food services, and offices) can require their employees to provide proof of full vaccination status through paper form, digital application, or the State's Excelsior Pass. Alternatively, they may rely on self-reporting of vaccination status.
Businesses that congregate patrons and operate above the social gathering limit of 250 people indoors or 500 people outdoors (e.g. event venues, sports competitions, performing arts, entertainment, catering halls, and conventions) must require their employees to provide proof of full vaccination status through paper form, digital application, or the State's Excelsior Pass.
Businesses cannot treat employees or customers differently based on their race, national origin, disability, gender, religion/creed, age, or any other characteristic protected by the NYCHRL. For example, business owners cannot scrutinize proof of vaccination more closely when it is provided by people of a particular race, national origin, or religion, or refuse to accept certain types of valid proof of vaccination, such as official immunization records from countries outside the United States.
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What is the process of getting vaccinated?
As of February 2021, restaurant workers in New York State are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The process of getting vaccinated typically involves the following steps:
Registration and Scheduling
- Identify if you are eligible for vaccination: In New York State, restaurant workers are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as part of Phase 1b of the state's vaccination distribution program.
- Find an authorized vaccination site: You can locate a vaccination site through the state's official website or by contacting your local health department.
- Register and schedule an appointment: Most vaccination sites require prior registration and scheduling. You can usually do this online or by phone. Some sites may offer walk-in appointments as well.
Vaccination Day
- Arrive at the vaccination site: Ensure you have any necessary identification and documentation, such as proof of employment or residency.
- Complete the necessary paperwork: This may include consent forms and health screening questionnaires.
- Receive the vaccine: A trained healthcare professional will administer the vaccine, typically as an intramuscular injection in the upper arm.
- Observe post-vaccination protocols: You may be asked to wait for a short period after vaccination to ensure you don't experience any immediate adverse reactions.
After Vaccination
- Receive your vaccination card: This card will indicate the type of vaccine you received and the date of vaccination. It serves as proof of vaccination and helps you schedule your second dose if required.
- Schedule your second dose: If you receive a two-dose vaccine, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, ensure you schedule your second dose at the recommended interval.
- Monitor for side effects: Mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or fever, are common and typically resolve within a few days. Report any severe or persistent side effects to your healthcare provider.
- Continue following safety guidelines: Even after vaccination, continue adhering to safety measures such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and hand hygiene until advised otherwise by health authorities.
It is important to note that the specific process and requirements may vary slightly depending on the vaccination site and your local guidelines. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by your local health department or the specific vaccination site you choose.
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What are the challenges of getting a vaccination appointment?
On February 2, 2021, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that restaurant workers in the state were eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination. This decision came in light of the resumption of indoor dining in New York City at 25% capacity. However, despite this eligibility, restaurant workers and other eligible groups have faced challenges in securing vaccination appointments.
One of the primary challenges has been the limited vaccine supply in New York State. The state's vaccine rollout has been marred by supply issues, resulting in long wait times and scarce appointments. The high demand for vaccines, coupled with insufficient supply, has led to appointments being filled almost instantly, causing frustration and anxiety among those seeking vaccination.
Another issue has been the process of determining eligibility and prioritization. Governor Cuomo left the decision-making to local governments, allowing them to prioritize based on their specific situations and supply constraints. This decentralized approach has resulted in varying eligibility criteria and timelines across different counties and cities within New York State. The lack of clear and consistent guidelines has caused confusion, with some individuals facing challenges in proving their eligibility as restaurant workers.
Furthermore, language barriers have exacerbated the difficulties in obtaining vaccination appointments. New York's restaurant industry has a diverse workforce, with a significant proportion of immigrants who may not be proficient in English. Language barriers have led to misunderstandings, further complicating the process of securing appointments and navigating the vaccination system.
Technical glitches and website crashes have also hindered the appointment process. As individuals rush to secure appointments, high website traffic has caused technical issues, making it challenging for eligible individuals to access the necessary platforms and schedule their vaccinations.
Lastly, the dynamic nature of eligibility criteria and vaccine availability has created challenges. With eligibility expanding and vaccine supplies fluctuating, individuals have had to stay abreast of the latest developments to ensure they don't miss their opportunity for vaccination. The rapidly changing landscape has contributed to a sense of urgency and uncertainty, requiring individuals to be vigilant and proactive in their pursuit of vaccination appointments.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, New York City restaurant and bar workers are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Other groups eligible for the vaccine include taxi drivers, residents and staff in facilities for people with developmental disabilities, public-facing grocery store workers, public transit workers, and people aged 65 or older.
You can book an appointment through the Health + Hospitals website. You may need to provide proof of employment, such as an employee ID card, a letter from your employer, or a pay stub.
