(WENY) — As Moderna and Pfizer vaccines continue to make their way into New York State, officials are tasked with figuring out a way to distribute the vaccines among the over 19 million residents.

"We define the categories of people who are eligible, Phase 1A, Phase 1B, etc. and basically, we follow federal advice on that," said Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

According to the CDC, long-term care facility residents and health care personnel fall under phase 1A. Phase 1B includes people over the age of 75 and front line essential workers. People ages 16 to 64 with high-risk medical conditions, people ages 65 to 75 years old and all other essential workers will be eligible for the vaccine in Phase 1C.

"We have already distributed more vaccines and our hospitals have vaccinated more people than any state in the nation."

38,000 people in New York State have already been vaccinated. As hospitals prepare to give out the next round of COVID-19 vaccines, 27,000 doses are in the southern tier. With more on the way, Governor Cuomo says this will be enough to cover any un-vaccinated health care workers and allow the vaccination program to expand to other essential workers.

"This week, we increase the priority population hospitals will be allowed to administer vaccines to federally qualified health care center workers, EMT's, coroners, medical examiners, funeral home workers and other congregate care workers and residents," Cuomo said.

Starting with nursing home staff and residents, the governor says this process won't happen overnight.

"It is estimated that it will take 6 weeks, three days at each facility. Day 1, everybody receives one shot, that should take two weeks. Day 2, second shot and day 3, the remaining staff," Cuomo said.

Between Pfizer and Moderna, New York State officials expect to receive 630,000 doses by the end of the week, all of which will be divided up based on population size and need in each region.