90% Americans to be eligible for vaccine by April 19
What's the story
US President Joe Biden has announced that 90 percent of the adults in the country will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination by April 19 and the final 10 percent will be eligible no later than May 1.
The vaccination drive under the Biden administration has been going on at an unprecedented pace.
Information
Administration targeting 100 million shots in 40 days
As many as 100 million shots have been administered in less than 60 days of Biden's administration and they are now moving on to the next 100 million shots in just 40 days.
Vaccine
We have the vaccines: Biden
"I'm pleased to announce that at least 90 percent of adults in the US will be eligible to be vaccinated by April 19, just three weeks from now because we have the vaccines," Biden said at the White House.
"For the vast majority of adults, you won't have to wait until May 1. You'll be eligible for your shot on April 19," he said.
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Final 10 percent will be eligible by May 1
"Finally, the final 10 percent will be eligible no later than May 1. Due to the steps we're taking today, 90 percent of Americans will be within five miles of a location where they can get a shot as of April the 19th," Biden said.
COVID-19
We are still at war with this deadly virus: Biden
"The progress we're making is a significant testament to what we can do when we work together as Americans. But as I've always said, we still need everyone to do their part," Biden said.
"We still are in a war with this deadly virus. And we're bolstering our defenses, but this war is far from won," he said.
Vaccine
Biden praised the spirit of the Americans
According to Biden, the progress on vaccination is a stunning example that there is nothing this country cannot do if we put our minds to it.
Biden said just 10 weeks after he became the president, nearly 75 percent of Americans over the age of 65 had received at least one vaccination shot.
Vaccine site
'Ensure vaccine site within five miles of 90 percent Americans'
"When I took office on January 20th, that number was eight percent. It's going to 75 percent. That's a lot of grandparents who are able to safely hug their grandchildren and they couldn't do so just a short time ago," Biden said.
He directed officials to ensure there is a vaccine site within five miles of 90 percent of all Americans by April 19.