DOH News:

…State’s approach meant to protect the most exposed and vulnerable

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) reiterated today the state’s phased vaccination criteria for COVID-19.

The following groups are eligible for vaccine now:

• Hospital personnel;
• Residents and staff of long-term care facilities;
• Medical first responders;
• Congregate setting workers;
• Persons providing direct medical care and other in-person services;
• Home-based health care and hospice workers;
• People 75+; and
  
• People 16+ at risk of COVID complications.

No other groups are eligible at this time.

As vaccine supply becomes more available, DOH will announce additional categories of eligibility. For more information – or to read New Mexico’s full vaccine distribution plan – visit the state’s COVID-19 vaccine website. 

“DOH needs to communicate clearly, consistently, and repeatedly about the state’s vaccination plan,” DOH Secretary-Designate Dr. Tracie Collins said. “But providers and other entities are also responsible for knowing – and following – that plan. That’s how we ensure that our limited supply of vaccine doses go to those who are most exposed or vulnerable to COVID-19. That’s how we save the most lives.” 

Dr. Collins also addressed recent developments at the federal level.

“The Biden Administration is proposing changes to America’s vaccine distribution plan. If those plans become law, New Mexico will adjust as appropriate. In the meantime, however, New Mexico’s phased vaccine distribution plan is authoritative,” she said.

Earlier this month, DOH also issued updated operational requirements to all vaccine providers in New Mexico. Providers may vaccinate “out of subphase”, but only under very specific conditions – less than 80 percent of appointments have filled for three days, vaccine is about to expire within 48 hours, or DOH notifies providers to begin vaccinating additional groups.

As reported in a wide range of national media outlets, New Mexico is vaccinating its residents faster than nearly every other state. New Mexicans can follow the state’s progress on the DOH Vaccine Dashboard.

As always, New Mexicans who wish to register for vaccine may do so at vaccineNM.org. Users will complete basic health and employment information, and DOH will notify them when a vaccine appointment is available at a provider in their area.