FILE-This Thursday, April 8, 2021 file photo shows Kent State University student Regan Raeth of Hudson, Ohio, has her COVID-19 vaccination administered by Kent State nurse Kristen Barath in Kent, Ohio. The nation’s largest traditional supermarket chain and some college campuses are among the Ohio providers that temporarily stopped using the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine Tuesday, April 13, while federal officials investigate reports of potentially dangerous blood clots. Kent State University said it was postponing its J&J clinics until further notice. (AP Photo/Phil Long, File)
San Francisco Mayor London Breed officially expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to anyone 16 and up, a few days ahead of 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.
Supply remains our biggest constraint but we’re continuing to make fast progress.
12,000 residents are getting vaccinated every day and 58% of our residents have received a first dose, which is well ahead of the national average.
The end to this pandemic is getting closer. pic.twitter.com/xfCpY9Uo1D
— London Breed (@LondonBreed) April 13, 2021
Santa Clara, Alameda and Fresno County opened their eligilbility to to anyone 16 and up on Tuesday. 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.
“As we work to get people vaccinated as quickly as possible, this expanded eligibility is important progress in our fight against COVID-19. We’ve created a network of vaccination sites in our city, and San Franciscans are stepping up and getting vaccinated because we know that it’s our best shot to end this pandemic once and for all,” said Mayor Breed. “Even with limited supply, San Francisco continues to be well ahead of the national average for how many of our residents have been vaccinated. There’s an end to this pandemic in sight, and we’re doing everything we can to make that happen as soon as possible.”
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
“We will continue to work with our community partners to ensure that vulnerable communities have ready access to the vaccine. With limited supply, we know that booking an appointment right away might be challenging, but we are expecting more vaccine towards the end of the month,” said Dr. Grant Colfax. “In the meantime, please be patient, wear your masks, practice physical distancing and good hygiene, and choose outdoor over indoor activities. Together, we can keep our curve flat and our city reopening.”