Washington vaccine eligibility to expand to all 16 and up April 15

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington vaccine eligibility will expand to all residents 16 and up starting April 15.

The federal government had directed states to make all adults eligible for COVID-19 vaccination by May 1, but most states had earlier plans, with more than a dozen opening eligibility to all adults this week.

Governor Jay Inslee had previously resisted expanding eligibility too quickly, saying that he wanted to ensure those most at risk were vaccinated first.

But he said Wednesday that the federal government’s assurances of increased supply, plus concerns about rising cases in many parts of the state, led to the decision to open up eligibility sooner.