Katherine Lewin
Vaccinations have lowered COVID-19 incidence by more than 60% in New Mexico, according to state modeling from Los Alamos National Laboratory.
New Mexico's health department announced this morning additional groups eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, accounting for nearly all people 16 and older in the state.
The move opens up the remaining groups in Phase 1B, as well as those in Phase 1C, adding:
- Frontline essential workers
- Residents of congregate care facilities
- New Mexicans age 60 and older
- Other essential workers
Until today, eligible categories included healthcare workers in Phase1 A, as well as people 75 and older and those 16 and older with chronic health conditions.
All together, the health department says 1,620,000 of the 1,680,605 New Mexicans who are aged 16 and over are eligible for a vaccine. The remaining group—anyone over the age of 16—will likely become eligible mid-April.
The state says the move comes as more than 60% of the groups currently eligible have received at least one shot. Moreover, "vaccine providers in many parts of the state are no longer able to find eligible New Mexicans to fill appointments in their area." Providers will continue to prioritize people in earlier phases, but can now also invite those in later groups when needed.
“By expanding the pool of New Mexicans eligible for vaccine, we can keep the momentum going and ensure that New Mexico remains one of the nation’s vaccination leaders,” DOH Secretary Dr. Tracie Collins said in a statement.
The health department says it intends to “double” its efforts to reach and vaccinate seniors, along with those in earlier phases. Approximately 73% of seniors have received at least one shot.
Additional measures for seniors and others who may need help in the vaccination process include:
- Vaccine registration by phone: Dial 1-855-600-3453, press option 0 for vaccine questions, and then option 4 for tech support.
- Accommodations: New Mexicans who call to register and require additional support (transportation or a wheelchair at a vaccine site) will receive a call back from the Aging and Long Term Services Department or the Office of Community Health at UNM.
- Homebound vaccinations: The state says plans for expanded homebound vaccination opportunities will be announced in the coming days.
