MONTGOMERY, Ala (AP) – Alabama is expanding eligibility later this month for COVID-19 vaccinations to more frontline workers, residents with certain chronic health conditions, and people 55 and older, state officials announced Friday.
“We have been concerned that many people at high risk and others engaged in close-contact work have not been eligible to receive the vaccine yet, but with the additional vaccine supply we are better able to meet the needs of Alabama residents,” Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement.
The expansion, starting March 22, will add over 2 million people to the groups who can receive a COVID-19 vaccination in Alabama, roughly doubling the number of people now eligible.
The dramatic increase comes at a time when demand continues to exceed supply and will increase the competition to find shots.
State Health Officer Scott Harris said Alabama expanded eligibility because of the expectations of the public – particularly as they see people in other states getting shots – and health officials’ expectations that the supply will jump over the coming weeks.