Rhode Island expands vaccine eligibility to all 16 and older

Gov. Dan McKee talks with reporters April 19, 2021. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island has opened coronavirus vaccinations to all residents 16 years old and older.

The state expanded vaccine eligibility on Monday.

Also starting Monday, residents can get free rides to and from vaccination appointments through the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority.

More than 327,000 people in the state have now been fully vaccinated, or more than 30% of the state’s population, although people who work or go to school in the state are also eligible to get a vaccination.

Officials said last week that the state remains on target to meet the goal of having 70% of the population partially vaccinated by mid-May, and 70% fully vaccinated by early June.

On Monday, Gov. Dan McKee told reporters that the state is working on plans to vaccinate all restaurant workers, employees of large companies who have not yet gotten a shot, and college students.

“We’re determined to vaccinate, to give the opportunity to every single person that is eligible for a vaccine to get a vaccine,” McKee said.

 

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