Franklincountynow.com Staff Report
(BROCKTON, MA) — All residents of Massachusetts age 16 and older will be eligible for a coronavirus vaccine beginning April 19, Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration announced Wednesday.
Before that date, residents age 60 and older as well as workers considered essential can get a vaccine starting March 22, while those 55 and older can get a shot beginning April 5, the administration said in a statement.
The essential workers eligible for a vaccination starting March 22 include those who work at supermarkets and convenience stores, restaurant workers, transit employees and funeral home workers.
“The administration has received assurances from the federal government that an increased vaccine supply will be available to states soon,” the statement said.
“Depending on supply, it could take weeks for people to be notified that an appointment is available at a mass vaccination site.”
All residents can preregister to book an appointment at a mass vaccination site at mass.gov/COVIDVaccine.
The state so far has been concentrating its vaccination efforts on first responders, health care workers, residents age 65 and older, teachers, and those with underlying health conditions.
The April 19 target is ahead of President Joe Biden’s goal of making the vaccine available to all adults who want it by May.