On Thursday, March 11, 2021, President Joe Biden directed states to make all adults, ages 18 and older, eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations by May 1.
The directive came during Biden’s first prime-time address, one year after the COVID-19 pandemic began and hours after signing his administration’s $1.9 trillion relief bill into law.
The president announced that the country will have enough vaccines to open eligibility to everyone by May 1, two months sooner than original estimates. This tracks with Biden’s new goal: having in-person celebrations on the Fourth of July.
“If we all do our part, this country will be vaccinated soon, our economy will be on the mend, our kids will be back in school and we’ll have proven once again that this country can do anything.” – President Joe Biden
During the speech, Biden announced a future website to help locate nearby vaccination sites. He also teased new, upcoming guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for vaccinated individuals.
What’s next?
Eligibility for a vaccine doesn’t necessarily guarantee that everyone will be able to get one by May 1. Rather, it means everyone will have the chance to get one when one becomes available to them. Vaccine distribution and availability may differ depending on location.
Individuals should look out for the upcoming government website—scheduled to launch in May—that can help them find vaccination sites.
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