RPEA Asks Governor Cuomo For Better Vaccine Appointment System

A letter was sent to Governor Cuomo, Department of Health Commissioner Zucker, and legislative leaders on Friday, January 22, 2021 that outlined a one-stop online database proposed by RPEA to help vaccinate New Yorkers more efficiently.

Click here to read the full letter.

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For Immediate Release: Monday, January 25, 2021

Government Retirees Ask Governor Cuomo For A Better Vaccine Appointment System

RPEA Proposes One-Stop Online Database to Help Vaccinate New Yorkers More Efficiently

The Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA), which represents the interests of nearly 500,000 retirees and their beneficiaries, today called on Governor Cuomo to institute a more efficient and effective system for applying for COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

RPEA is proposing a one-stop online system: The improved system would eliminate the need to check for eligibility at all hours of the day and night, and would store applicants’ information in an online database to help streamline the application and vaccination process.

In a letter sent to Governor Cuomo, Department of Health Commissioner Zucker, and state legislative leaders, RPEA outlined the proposed one-stop online system. Click here to read the full letter.

“The majority of our members are over 65. Many have underlying health conditions that put them at high risk for contracting the COVID-19 virus and, in fact, some have. It is imperative that they be able to be vaccinated as soon as possible,” said RPEA President Diana Hinchcliff. “It’s clear that the current first come, first served system is not working, and while the state plans to open more vaccination sites, people will have no better luck making appointments and getting vaccinated if changes are not made. RPEA’s proposal would result in a saner, more user-friendly system and would help eliminate the uncertainty, frustration, and guesswork that currently exists.”

Hinchcliff continued, “We have some of the best tech minds in the world in this country. Surely, New York can utilize their expertise to design a registration system that works. We appreciate that the demand for vaccinations far exceeds the available doses. This is something for the federal government to address. The application process, however, is something the state can fix and it should be done immediately. New Yorkers’ health depends on it.”

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Media Contact: Chyresse Wells, cwells@corningplace.com