NYCLU Statement on Changes to Federal Vaccine Distribution Agreement

NEW YORK – Today Governor Cuomo announced that the CDC agreed to changes in the data-sharing agreement between states and the federal government required for federal vaccine distribution. The original agreement asked for extensive personal information and allowed for wide-scale sharing between federal agencies, including agencies with no direct involvement in overseeing public health or the vaccine rollout. In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union issued the following statement from executive director Donna Lieberman:

“The agreement announced by the governor today goes a long way to secure protections for New Yorkers from needless and counterproductive data sharing with the federal government. No other public health program has required states to share so much intimate personal information, and the COVID-19 vaccine distribution program should be no exception. It makes no sense to jeopardize the integrity and trust of a such a vital health initiative when the government should be doing everything possible to shore up trust in the pandemic response and recovery. New York still can and must continue to protect personal data during vaccine distribution. As the Biden administration takes office, we hope the governor will continues to take steps to help all of New York’s communities feel safe accessing the vaccine.”