State officials are being urged by a coalition of criminal justice organizations to make public data on vaccination rates in New York prisons amid growing concerns over the spread of the delta variant.

Incarcerated people in New York qualify for the vaccine, and those who work in prisons were among the first to do so in New York. But the state is yet to release public data on the rollout of vaccinations in prisons.

New York United for Justice, a coalition that comprises 14 criminal justice reform organizations, released a letter on Tuesday calling for broader transparency and reporting surrounding the issue. The groups are seeking information on how prisons managed COVID-19 from a medical standpoint and provide regular status updates on the vaccine rollout in prisons as well as an education initiative.

Advocates are also calling for details on the current and future vaccination plans and tracking in the facilities.

“It is imperative that DOCCS and DOH provide the public with a clear and detailed picture of COVID-19 tracking and management in prisons, including vaccination data and how they are planning to fight future outbreaks. Prisons are ideal breeding grounds for COVID-19 outbreaks, and with potentially large numbers of unvaccinated people in prisons, we cannot risk creating another surge,” said Alexander Horwitz, the group's executive director. “Without transparency and accountability, DOCCS’ current approach poses a clear public health risk to all New Yorkers.”

Officials at the state prison system have released data on vaccination rates statewide among the population of incarcerated people.  

"The Department has been reporting vaccination rates for months, which makes NYUJ’s claims completely false. All of the incarcerated population in NYS DOCCS correctional facilities have been offered a vaccine. To date DOCCS has administered a total of 15,195 vaccines," a DOCCS spokesman said in a statement.  "As of July 27, 2021, 14,786 or 46.2% of incarcerated individuals currently in DOCCS correctional facilities, have received the vaccine." 

At the same time, prison officials have offered incentives for vaccinations, including care packages and barbeques. 

"The maximum number of vaccinated incarcerated individuals ensures a safer work environment for staff, the incarcerated population and visitors to facilities," the department said. "This type of incentive program has proven to be effective not only in the general public, but in correctional systems across the country."

The department reported eight positive COVID cases as of Tuesday in the state prison system. 

Nevertheless, criminal justice advocates are calling for more specific data on facilities to be released and proactively online by the state.

The spread of COVID-19 in state prisons was an early concern in the pandemic for criminal justice advocates. The virus can spread quickly through congregate group settings like prisons, where little to no social distancing is possible.

Advocates also called for the release of some incarcerated people vulnerable to the virus in order to limit its spread.