CA expanding COVID-19 vaccine access to everyone 16+ in mid-April – CBS News 8

Gov. Newsom says the state will extend COVID-19 vaccine eligibility on April 1 to everyone aged 50 and older, then to everyone aged 16 and older on April 15.

CALIFORNIA, USA California Gov. Gavin Newsomsaid the state will extend COVID-19 vaccine eligibility on April 1 to everyone aged 50 and older, then to everyone aged 16 and older on April 15. Newsom made the announcement Thursday, saying vaccine supply is expected to quickly skyrocket.

The state has been receiving roughly 1.8 million doses a week, but the state anticipates receiving 2.5 million weekly doses by early April, then more than 3 million per week by the end of that month.

"With vaccine supply increasing and by expanding eligibility to more Californians, the light at the end of the tunnel continues to get brighter," Newsom said.

Opening the floodgates to vaccine eligibility is concerning for some.

"We have to make sure that we can help those who are already struggling to be able to find an appointment," said San Diegan Gavin Tong, who created San Diego Vaccine Angels, a volunteer-driven service that helps others San Diegans eligible for the shot -- but who are having difficulty navigating the online process -- book their appointments.

"It's been crazy how this has snowballed into a big grassroots effort," Tong told News 8.

Even though it launched less than a week ago, San Diego Vaccine Angels already has more than 30 tech-savvy volunteers, who have helped arrange 50 appointments and counting.

"There is no secret or trick... it's a lot of perseverance," Tong added. "There's an element of luck.

COVID-19 vaccine eligibility has been slowly expanding in the state in recent weeks. Most recently, eligibility was extended to people aged 16 and over with serious underlying health conditions that put them at risk of severe illness or death from COVID. An array of essential workers are already eligible for vaccines, such as teachers and food workers. Health care workers were the first to be given access to the vaccine, and everyone in the state aged 65 and over is already eligible.

Thursday's announcement means everyone in the state aged 16 and up will be eligible for the shots in mid-April. However, given the state's vast population, it will still take months to provide the vaccines to everyone who wants one.

Newsom said the state will have the capacity to administer 4 million shots per week by the end of April.

Dr. Mark Ghaly, the state's health and human services director, said the announcement means "we are even closer to putting this pandemic behind us."

"However, we are not there yet," he said. "It will take time to vaccinate all eligible Californians. During this time, we must not let our guard down. It is important that we remain vigilant, continue to wear masks and follow public health guidance."

WATCH: Online tool helps San Diegans track down vaccine appointments

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CA expanding COVID-19 vaccine access to everyone 16+ in mid-April - CBS News 8