New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced this week that the state’s oldest inmates are now eligible for the coronavirus vaccine.
The state Corrections Department said Thursday it is preparing to vaccinate the 1,075 people in custody who are 65 and older.
An announcement by Corrections spokesperson Thomas Mailey reversed a previous policy that allowed vaccines for prison staff but not for prisoners, according to Gothamist.
New York is currently vaccinating those in Phase 1a and 1b: health care workers; residents of congregate care facilities; frontline workers, such as police, teachers and grocery store employees; and people who are 65 and older. Beginning Feb. 15, people with underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk will also be eligible for vaccination.