Mississippi becomes second state to expand vaccine eligibility to all adults

Mississippi on Tuesday became the second state in the U.S. to expand its coronavirus vaccine eligibility to all adults.

Gov. Tate Reeves (R) tweeted on Monday that those over the age of 50 should schedule their appointments before all adults were eligible to get the vaccine.

“Starting tomorrow, ALL new appointments will be open to ALL Mississippians. Get your shot friends – and let’s get back to normal!” Reeves tweeted.

Almost 10,000 appointments available statewide over next 3 weeks. If you’re over 50, lock them down TODAY!

Starting tomorrow, ALL new appointments will be open to ALL Mississippians. Get your shot friends – and let’s get back to normal!

— Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) March 15, 2021

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) announced March 9 that all adults in the state were eligible for the coronavirus vaccine, becoming the first state to open up inoculations to the adult population. Dunleavy said that those above the age of 16 who work can get vaccinated.

Michigan announced on March 12 that vaccines will be available to all adults starting April 5. 

President Biden has called on states to make the coronavirus vaccine available to all adults by May 1 as the federal government has purchased millions more doses of inoculations and plans to increase the number of vaccinators throughout the country.

Biden, in remarks earlier this month, said that if Americans remain vigilant, smaller gatherings with vaccinated people could be possible by July 4. 

The announcement from Reeves comes just over a week after the governor ended Mississippi’s mask mandate and lifted social distancing restrictions on businesses.

Mississippi thus far has distributed more than 1.2 million vaccine doses, and fully vaccinated 37 percent of its population, the Clarion Ledger reported.