Rhode Island Teachers Eligible For Coronavirus Vaccine At CVS

Teachers are now eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine at CVS locations in Rhode Island, according to the pharmacy's website.

"Teachers K-12, Daycare and preschool workers, and staff" were listed overnight after President Joe Biden issued a directive to retail pharmacies nationwide to make teachers eligible.

"We've aligned with updated Federal Retail Pharmacy Program guidelines by making appointments available to pre-K through 12 educators and staff and childcare workers in all 17 states where we currently offer COVID-19 vaccines, including in MA and RI," CVS said in a statement.

The Rhode Island Department of Health is sticking to its age-based approach, rather than prioritizing certain professions. At state-run vaccine sites, appointments are currently open to all Rhode Islanders aged 65 or older.

The changed eligibility at CVS coincides with Dan McKee's first day as Rhode Island governor. Last week, he told the media that teacher vaccinations would be a main priority once he was sworn in to the state's top job.

On Tuesday, Biden challenged all states to prioritize vaccinating its teachers to get students back in school.

"As yet another move to help accelerate the safe reopening of our schools, let's treat in-person learning like an essential service that it is," Biden said Tuesday. "And that means getting essential workers who provide that service - educators, school staff, childcare workers - get them vaccinated immediately. They're essential workers."