Updated Qualifying Conditions for COVID-19 Vaccine

Tuesday Feb 9th, 2021

We're on the front lines, we're getting the COVID-19 vaccination to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our patients. Family Health Medical Services encourages you to get your COVID-19 vaccination when eligible.

Step 1: Determine eligibility and schedule an appointment. The Am I Eligible app is the quickest way to see if you're eligible and make an appointment. You can also call the New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829). Once you have successfully scheduled an appointment, you will receive a confirmation email that contains a barcode. You will need to bring this to your appointment.


Beginning February 15, 2021:
Adult New Yorkers of any age with the following conditions qualify for the vaccine:

Cancer (current or in remission, including 9/11-related cancers)
Chronic kidney disease
Pulmonary Disease, including but not limited to, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and 9/11 related pulmonary diseases
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities including Down Syndrome
Heart conditions, including but not limited to heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, or hypertension (high blood pressure)
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) including but not limited to solid organ transplant or from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, use of other immune weakening medicines, or other causes
Severe Obesity (BMI 40 kg/m2), Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
Pregnancy
Sickle cell disease or Thalassemia
Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus
Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
Neurologic conditions including but not limited to Alzheimer's disease or dementia
Liver disease


The list is subject to change as additional scientific evidence is published and as New York State obtains and analyzes additional state-specific data.

Laurie Covid Vaccine

Chautauqua County NY Connects wants to make sure those over the age of 65 have access to COVID-19 vaccine information. Those over the age of 65 can call the NY Connects Helpline at 716-753-4582, 716-661-7582, or 716-363-4582. A representative will talk to callers about vaccination options in the County and collect personal information to make sure you stay updated.

Pharmacies in NYS are only permitted to vaccinate persons 65 years of age and older. Rite Aid and Tops pharmacies in Chautauqua County have received small allocations of vaccine from NYS and had planned to utilize the states Am I Eligible website and hotline to schedule appointments for vaccine administration. Rite Aid is now working on other options to schedule appointments; more information is forthcoming. Please check https://www.topsmarkets.com/covid19 for availability of appointments and scheduling at Tops pharmacies. For Wegman’s Pharmacy in Jamestown, please check https://www.wegmans.com/pharmacy/ for availability and to schedule once they receive the vaccine.