Vaccine Eligibility Opens To All RIers 16+ On April 19

PROVIDENCE, RI — Monday will be a big day in Rhode Island, when coronavirus vaccine eligibility will open to all residents aged 16 and older.

The state's vaccine scheduling portal will reflect the update starting at 9 a.m., said Tom McCarthy, the executive director of the state's vaccine distribution effort. While some appointments might still be available from the batch of 16,000 scheduled to be added Friday, more will be added, as scheduled, at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

This will be the largest group of residents to become eligible at once, about 258,000 people in total. Because of this, it's even more important for Rhode Islanders to be patient when trying to book and appointment, McCarthy said, adding that everyone who wants an appointment should be able to get one within four to six weeks.

"There will be a dose for everyone who wants to get vaccinated," McCarthy said. "Monday is going to be a big day on the journey to 70 percent [of residents 16 and older with at least one dose by May 15.]"

Read more:

• Rhode Island Adding 16,000 New Coronavirus Vaccine Appointments
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• RIPTA Offering RI Residents Free Rides For Vaccine Appointments