On January 14, I issued a statement highly critical of New York State’s vaccine distribution system, particularly regarding its failures to serve less populated areas such as the East End and the needs of our seniors. Last week, I co-sponsored legislation with my Assembly colleague Ken Zebrowski to direct the State Health Department to create a priority system to vaccinate seniors 75 and older. The goal was to more fairly distribute the vaccine to those New Yorkers who need it the most, wherever they live.

Therefore, I am pleased that this past Friday, the Governor issued an Executive Order that will finally permit our County Health Department to provide the vaccine at their distribution locations to senior citizens over the age of 65. Previously, they were inexplicably prohibited from vaccinating seniors. This is a major shift in providing the vaccine to older and more vulnerable New Yorkers and East End residents.

We still need a greater supply of vaccine from the federal government to meet the needs of all eligible New Yorkers who want the vaccine. Hopefully, in coming weeks that supply will continue to increase.

However, we also need a rational distribution system that is fair. Now, the County of Suffolk, with sites at all three community college campuses, including the eastern campus in Riverhead, and at other pop-up sites which have operated across the South Fork, will be permitted to serve seniors, expanding the geographic reach of the network for those over 65.

Seniors will be able to pre-register for the vaccine at Suffolk County locations, as I had recommended back in January. Pre-registration can be accomplished by calling the County’s 311 system or by emailing the County at CommunityImmunity@suffolkcountyny.gov. Those eligible with comorbidities can also pre-register by email. Those seeking appointments at the state sites such as Stony Brook University or Jones Beach must still use the “Am I Eligible” tool online at the NYS Department of Health website.

My thanks to County Executive Steve Bellone and his deputy, Lisa Black, for their unwavering attention to the calls by East End elected officials to get the vaccine for their constituents. We still have far to go, but this is a big step forward.