New Mexico’s top health official says over 80% of virus vaccines received so far have been distributed

SANTA FE, New Mexico -- State Health Secretary Dr. Tracie Collins said during a briefing Wednesday that she feels positive so far about the rollout of vaccinations in New Mexico to frontline health care workers and staff and residents at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.

In all, the state has ordered and received more than 49,600 doses and 83% of those already have been distributed.

Collins also encouraged people to register online if they're interested in receiving the vaccination when it becomes more widely available. She reported that 160,000 people had signed up within an eight-day period.

While the state is still in the planning stages for later phases of distribution, she said the registrations would help as the state prioritizes which groups come next.