Alabama Opens Vaccine Eligibility To All Over 16

ACROSS ALABAMA — Alabama will start doling out coronavirus vaccines to all residents over the age of 16 years old starting on Monday.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey made the announcement Friday morning while visiting the Alabama National Guard mobile vaccination clinic in Wilcox County. With this expansion, there will be close to 4 million eligible individuals in the state of Alabama.

“I have committed to the people of Alabama that we are on a path forward, and while there is more work to be done, I remain hopeful and optimistic in where we are going. Recent findings from the CDC show preliminary data suggesting that vaccinated individuals do not appear to be spreading the virus, so that is hopeful, underscores the effectiveness of the vaccine and is yet another reason to get the shot,” Ivey said in a statement. “Truly, this vaccine is our ticket back to normal life. We are so close to getting COVID-19 in the rearview, and until then, we should all keep wearing our masks, get vaccinated and use the common sense the good Lord gave us.”

The Pfizer vaccine is available to individuals age 16 and up, and the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are both available to individuals 18 years of age and older. Currently, the state receives approximately 115,000 first doses each week.

“In the initial phases of our vaccine allocation plan, we have given just over 1.7 million shots. These shots have gone to more than 1.1 million Alabamians most at risk of illness and death due to COVID-19,” said Alabama state health officer. “As progress has been made, equitable vaccine distribution has been and remains a driving force in immunizing state residents. The increased supply of safe and effective vaccines means all adults who wish to be vaccinated are now eligible to receive the protection vaccines offer.”

During Friday's press conference, Harris responded to questions regarding eligibility being opened up due to reports of leftover vaccines not going into residents' arms and a distrust from residents regarding the safety of the vaccine.

"We are expanding because we do have available supply. It's hard to know when we have shots that are not given is that because there is hesitancy going on or is it from those who do not have access to care or transportation," he said "Or have we not effectively communicated to them that they are available."

As of Thursday, 1,724,463 doses have been administered in the state.

For general information about COVID 19, the COVID-19 Information Hotline number is 1-800-270-7268. Alabama vaccine providers can be found within the Alabama COVID-19 Dashboard Hub.