By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

U.S. — All adults within the United States are now eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccination.

According to the new orders, every American over the age of 16 in every U.S. state, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico are eligible for vaccination as of Monday, April 19.

"We have enough of [the vaccine], you need to be protected, and you need, in turn, to protect your neighbors and your family," President Biden said in a video statement.

Prior to the federal goal, Governor Kay Ivey (R-Ala.) announced the expansion of vaccine access to individuals over the age of 16 on April 5. 

"I have committed to the people of Alabama that we are on a path forward, and while there is more work to be done, I remain hopeful and optimistic in where we are going," Ivey said. "We are so close to getting COVID-19 in the rearview, and until then, we should all keep wearing our masks, get vaccinated and use the common sense the good Lord gave us.”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that approximately half of U.S. adults have received at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine with an average of just over 3 million doses distributed each day.