EastIdahoNews.com file photo
BOISE (AP) – Eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine will be open to all Idaho residents aged 16 and over starting April 5, Governor Brad Little said on Wednesday.
The Republican governor made the move three weeks ahead of schedule. He also said that people with at least one medical condition could receive the vaccine starting on Monday, about two weeks ahead of schedule.
Little is encouraging residents to get vaccinated.
“Guys, with each passing week, as more and more Idaho residents choose to get vaccinated, we are closer to getting back to normal,” Little said during his three-minute online ad. “The COVID vaccine is really our best chance to protect jobs and save lives.”
About 180,000 Idaho residents were infected with the coronavirus and more than 1,900 died. Almost 250,000 residents are now fully vaccinated against the disease and another 145,000 have received the first dose of vaccines that require two doses. About 1.8 million people live in the state.
Currently eligible for the vaccine are those aged 55 and over, health care workers, long-term care facility staff and residents, first responders, elementary and high school teachers, and school staff and essential frontline workers.