President Joe Biden used his first prime-time address on Thursday night to announce that he is directing states to make all American adults eligible for a coronavirus vaccine no later than May 1.
Biden began his address from the White House by honoring Americans’ “collective suffering” over the past year.
“We are bound together by the loss and the pain of the days that have gone by,” he said. “We are also bound together by the hope and the possibilities in the days in front of us.”
He set July Fourth as a date that Americans could possibly gather in small groups to “make this Independence Day truly special,” but only if people continued to cooperate in following public health guidelines and get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible.
The White House has laid out a plan on getting shots into Americans’ arms once all adults are eligible.
The Administration announced that they would deliver vaccines directly to up to an additional 700 community health centers that reach underserved communities over the next six weeks.
They will double the number of pharmacies participating in the federal pharmacy program, making the vaccine available at more than 20,000 pharmacies in locations convenient to all Americans.
Biden announced the deployment of more than 4,000 active-duty troops to support vaccination efforts, and the Administration will expand the pool of qualified professionals able to administer shots.
By May 1, as vaccines are available in more places, the Administration will launch a federally-supported website and 1-800 number that will give locations that have vaccines to make it easier for Americans to get vaccinated.
Biden warned that this is “not the time to not stick with the rules,” as the nation is on the cusp of defeating the virus. “I need you, the American people,” he added. “I need you. I need every American to do their part.”
President Biden announces he is directing all states, tribes and territories to make all U.S. adults 18 and older eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine by May 1. pic.twitter.com/GOWtncDUlR
— Poli Alert ⚖️ (@polialertcom) March 12, 2021