The distribution of a potential coronavirus vaccine could present New York health and elected officials with a moral and political quandary: Who should be first in line?

There's an argument to be made for first responders in the health care fields like doctors and nurses as well as EMTs. What about police officers, firefighters, or teachers? 

Nursing home representatives believe their residents as well as their staff should be given priority. 

"The asymptomatic nature of the COVID vaccine virus where up to 40 percent of infected individuals do not show symptoms -- these elements truly show that nursing home residents and staff should receive top priority for a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it's approved," said Stephen Hanse, the president and CEO of the New York State Health Facilities Association. 

Nursing home residents are uniquely vulnerable to the virus, too, given their age and congregate setting.

At least 6,300 nursing home residents have died during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York, though that number is likely higher given the state does not count people who contracted COVID-19 in a nursing home, but died in a hospital or at home.

A COVID-19 vaccine could be available by the end of the year at the earliest as trials from major drug companies continue. But the mass production and distribution of a vaccine for 19 million New Yorkers -- which could take multiple doses and may need to be stored at low temperatures -- is still an outstanding question. 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, however, has raised concerns about whether the vaccine approval process will be politicized by President Trump. He wants to make sure the vaccine is safe and fully tested before distribution. Hanse agrees, but he says timely access to a potential vaccine is also important. 

"It's critical that we be sure the vaccination is safe, is sound, for individuals to receive," Hanse said. "Beyond that, we don't want any undue delay that could result in a loss of life any individual."

Cuomo for his part this weekend rolled out a draft plan for vaccine distribution. But he says the federal government needs to supply some answers. Cuomo has also formed a panel to study the issue of who should be given priority for a vaccine. 

"States cannot do this on their own," Cuomo said. "OK? Period. This is a massive undertaking. This is a larger operational undertaking than anything we have done during COVID to date."