On April 6, President Joe Biden directed every state to make every person age 16 and older eligible for a coronavirus vaccine by April 19, nearly two weeks earlier than his original directive, which was set for May 1.
The first state to announce and implement eligibility for all adults on March 9, was Alaska. Since then, states have gradually opened up eligibility across differing timelines, with the majority of states opening eligibility well before their due date. As of April 19, President Biden’s deadline, the remaining seven states opened up eligibility for the vaccine to all adults, and to every individual 16 and over. This means all 50 states have met the deadline of vaccine eligibility for those 16 and over.
However, states opening up eligibility to all adults does not mean those individuals will secure a vaccine anytime soon, and some populations will continue to be prioritized above others, depending on the state’s approach. While some states have taken on an age-based vaccine rollout, others have instituted an equity-based rollout, while others have gone for a hybrid approach. For example, Rhode Island has accelerated distribution of the vaccines to those living in ZIP codes disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus, and to those with certain health conditions which make them more vulnerable.
Regardless of each states’ approach, some individuals across the country are getting vaccinated without necessarily having priority at the state level. This is mainly because vaccine rollouts operate differently at the federal, state and county levels. And in various parts of the country, others are able to get a dose of a vaccine by being in the right place at the right time. This can occur at the end of the day at various locations when unused vaccines run the risk of going to waste.
To find out eligibility by state see the links below:
Alabama Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Gov. Kay Ivey announced that all individuals 16 and older are eligible for a vaccine starting April 5.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Alabama
Alaska Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Every adult living or working in the state is eligible to receive a vaccine. Alaska became the first state to eliminate vaccine eligibility requirements for adults on March 9.