GARY A. WARNER
Oregon Capital Bureau
Facing a "fourth wave" of COVID-19, Oregon will drop eligibility restrictions for COVID-19 vaccinations April 19, up to two weeks earlier than planned.
President Joe Biden directed Tuesday morning that states should open inoculation appointments to everyone age 16 and older.
Oregon had previously planned to drop all eligibility restrictions by May 1, with some counties possibly offering appointments as early as April 26.
President Joe Biden on Tuesday plans to announce that every U.S. adult will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine by April 19, the Associated Press reports.
Gov. Kate Brown said Oregon would drop limits on April 19 but until then, it would continue to prioritize vaccinations for people with underlying medical conditions, essential workers, and communities underserved during the pandemic.