COVID-19 vaccinations will begin for the state's nursing homes in one week. 

That program is slated to begin Dec. 21 with Walgreens and CVS spearheading the program nationwide. 

Long-term care facilities were ravaged by the coronavirus in the spring, resulting in more than 7,000 COVID-19 related deaths. 

Nearly 100% of nursing homes have signed up for the vaccination program, which Health and Human Services believes could be completed before the end of the year.

"We could have every nursing home patient vaccinated by Christmas.It is absolutely remarkable prospect for all of us who have loved ones in nursing homes," says Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar.

The New York State Heath Facilities Association, which oversees long-term care facilities across the state, says it is happy to see its at-risk populations being prioritized.

The mid-Hudson region will receive about 20,000 vaccinations for the first round. 

The second round is slated to ship 28 days later.