All Pennsylvania residents age 16 and older will be able to schedule appointments to receive a COVID-19 vaccine starting on April 19, according to the state Department of Health.  The news came as part of a larger announcement that the administration is also accelerating its vaccination strategy for workers in targeted industries in Phases 1B, 1C and 2.

The broadening of vaccine eligibility began on March 31 with law enforcement, firefighters, grocery store workers and food and agriculture workers.   Starting today, April 5, all Pennsylvanians in Phase 1B will be able to start scheduling vaccination appointments and on April 12, eligibility will expand to those in Phase 1C.  A complete overview of each phase is available on the PA Chamber’s Bringing PA Back website.

Although the state’s vaccine timetable has been accelerated, Department of Health officials asked for patience when attempting to schedule a vaccination appointment.

“It is important to remember that eligibility does not guarantee an immediate vaccination appointment,” Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said in a statement. “Vaccine providers are ready and eager to get a shot in the arm of every person who wants one while we continue to aggressively advocate for more vaccine.”

Additional details about the Department of Health’s announcement can be found here.