The COVID-19 vaccine distribution is underway in New York State.  Click here for the interim COVID-19 guidance issued January 5, 2021 and updated January 14, 2021 on the "Week 4" prioritization that expanded vaccinations to the following:  "staff who have direct contact with OPWDD service recipients in “outpatient” settings. At this time, only staff (and not individuals served) are included in this next stage of prioritization. Therefore, beginning January 5, 2021, staff who have routine direct contact with service recipients as part of their work in certified site-based or non-site-based day services (e.g. day habilitation, community habilitation, respite, and employment services), self-direction, or in an Article 16 clinic, are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as part of the current phase of vaccinations. This includes the following staff: clinical or direct support staff, quality assurance or investigatory staff, and/or administrative staff of those programs who have routine direct contact with or exposure to service recipients. It also includes transportation staff and registered providers or other contract staff for any of the services described above (e.g. substitute direct care staff, contracted clinical staff, or janitorial staff at day programs)."

We are continuing to advocate for individuals with I/DD living in the community and their care managers. Click here for the 1.7.21 advocacy letter.

OPWDD stated that everyone who receives the COVID-19 vaccine will need to complete a consent form. You can find that form and other information concerning the COVID-19 vaccines on the OPWDD website, including plain language materials, a screening check list, the Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna vaccine fact sheets. Click here to visit the OPWDD website to access this material. Click here for the most current New York State vaccine distribution information.

Starting 1.11.21, New Yorkers in Phase 1b groups are now eligible to receive the vaccine. Click here to see the full list of eligible individuals.  Governor Cuomo stated that due to a limited supply of the COVID vaccine from the federal government, it could take up to 14 weeks for eligible New Yorkers to schedule their vaccine shot.

You are also invited to attend our online meetings where Care Design NY leadership will provide information and answer your most pressing questions.  Please click here to view the online meetings schedule and to register. You may also submit a question and/or topic for the event.

We will post more information and FAQs as they become available, so please bookmark this page and check back.