California Counties Expand Vaccine Eligibility to 16 and Up

Gareth Fuller/Pool via AP


Santa Clara, Alameda and Fresno County expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to anyone 16 and up, one week ahead California’s schedule.

As of April 1, all Californians 50 and older became eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. Starting April 15, all Californians 16 and older will be eligible to be vaccinated. The state warns individuals may have to wait for an appointment even with expanded vaccine supplies and eligibility.

Last month, Contra Costa and San Francisco Counties expanded its COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to individuals 16 to 64 with disabilities or other health conditions putting them at high risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19.

“The supply of COVID-19 vaccine has become more stable. We are able to move ahead of the (state) timeline and have been approved to lift the current restrictions in place to expand eligibility,” said Joe Prado, who is heading up Fresno County’s vaccinations.

Vaccinating as many individuals as possible is in effort to end the coronavirus pandemic and in preparation of Governor Newsom’s plan to fully reopen California’s economy by June 15.

On June 15, California will fully open its economy if two criteria are met:

  • If vaccine supply is sufficient for Californians 16 years and older who wish to be inoculated; and
  • If hospitalization rates are stable and low

 

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