March 10, 2021: Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

Dear Colleagues: 

We are pleased to inform you of several recent significant changes with respect to vaccine availability.

Columbia Locations for the Vaccine 

Later this month, Columbia faculty, staff and students, who are eligible based on New York State criteria, will be able to get vaccinated at no out-of-pocket cost at one of four Columbia operated Manhattan locations. Additional locations will be opening up later this spring. The following locations will be opening later this month.

  • 630 W 168th Street 
  • 2702 Broadway 
  • 2920 Broadway (Lerner Hall) 
  • 51 W 51 Street 

Appointment scheduling will be announced in the coming week, and we are also planning additional outreach to eligible faculty, staff, and students. Days and hours of operation will also be announced next week. In the meantime, schedule your appointment at the Armory on 168th Street by going to VaccineTogetherNY.org or by scheduling at any city site. 

Expansion of Eligible Groups

This week there have been significant expansions in the definition of eligible groups. These include persons age 60 and over and certain public-facing staff. Faculty, staff, and students should check their eligibility by going to https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/.

Expansion of Place of Residence

 The place of residence that is used as a criteria for administration of the vaccine has been changed to allow any location in New York State to vaccinate any eligible resident of New York State. Previously, most locations in New York City could only vaccinate residents of New York City. Students who meet other criteria in #2 who are temporary NYS residents due to attending school will be able to get the vaccine. However, faculty and staff who are residents of other states must get the vaccine in their states, unless they are in category 1a (patient facing). 

We will continue to update you as we move ahead in the coming weeks. Please check the Columbia University COVID-19 website, covid19.columbia.edu for updates. 

Donna Lynne, DrPH 
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, CUIMC
University COVID Director

Gerry Rosberg 
Senior Executive Vice President