All Rhode Islanders 16+ to be eligible for COVID vaccine by April 19

The state's vaccination website will expand eligibility at 9 a.m. Monday.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – On Monday, April 19 at 9 a.m., all Rhode Islanders 16 and older will be eligible to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine on the state’s vaccination website.

The Rhode Island Department of Health estimates this new group of eligible people, age 16 to 39, includes about 258,000 residents.

Those 16 and older will be eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, and those 18 and older will be able to get Moderna.

“Not everyone will be able to get an appointment by April 19, but we are prepared to make eligibility open for everyone and so that appointments can start booking at that point,” said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott earlier this month. Officials say a new round of appointments will be added to the state’s website Tuesday morning at 9, as well as Friday at 5 p.m.

By May 15th, the state health department plans to have 70% of Rhode Islanders age 16 and older to have at least one dose of the a vaccine.

This new expansion of eligibility, also aligning with President Biden’s date for when everyone 16 and older should be eligible.

Officials also said vaccinations in the state continue to progress, with more people now fully vaccinated from COVID than have been infected with the virus.

When it comes to the summer months, McKee said the state has been working closely with the organizers of the Newport Folk and Jazz festivals to make them happen this year.

“The good news,” McKee said, “there will be music in Newport this summer.”

For more information on current restrictions here in Rhode Island, please click here for those details.

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