NM cities prepare for vaccine distribution

SANTA FE — Las Cruces city officials will be creating a vaccination task force to help coordinate distribution when doses become more widely available, and nearly 300 first responders with Albuquerque Fire Rescue have received their first shots.

Cities around the state are preparing for distribution while they await more guidance from the state Health Department. Agency officials were expected this week to announce updated plans for which groups will be prioritized once more vaccinations are shipped to the state. The first phase has involved front-line health care workers as well as staff and residents at nursing homes and other longterm care facilities.

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said during a briefing Tuesday that the city is supporting the Health Department’s efforts to make sure all residents have access to both testing and the vaccine as the coronavirus pandemic continues.