Governors Applaud Biden's Vaccine Timeline, but Need Supply

WNYT 13 reports that U.S. state governors largely favor President Biden's recent announcement that all adults should qualify for coronavirus vaccinations by May 1, but accomplishing this requires following a methodical vaccine rollout to shift their strategy. Governors in Wisconsin, Louisiana, North Carolina, Kansas, and Vermont said they are prepared to open the floodgates on May 1, although some emphasized the need for a dramatic boost in vaccine supply. California's top health official said the state must make a better effort in the weeks ahead to ensure the most vulnerable populations get vaccines before they have to vie with the general public. Meanwhile, Oregon planned to make essential workers and younger disabled adults eligible by May 1, and said last week that it would not revise that timeline without firmer supply commitments. "In order for widespread and comprehensive vaccination to work, the federal government will need to come through with increased doses and infrastructure," stated Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. White House Coronavirus Coordinator Jeffrey Zients last week told reporters that May 1 is an "absolute deadline" and that the country will have sufficient supply to inoculate all adults by the end of that month.