All Alabamians 16 and older will be eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 starting Monday.
The expansion will make almost 4 million more people eligible for the vaccine. Gov. Kay Ivey announced the plan while touring a National Guard mobile vaccine clinic in Wilcox County.
"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. "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."
More than 1.1 million people throughout the state have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and more than 660,000 are fully vaccinated. Alabama currently receives 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," State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said. "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."
The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines remain available to those 18 years or older.
