Biden to move up deadline for adult eligibility for COVID vaccine to April 19

Washington — President Biden plans to announce Tuesday that the deadline for adult eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines is being moved up to April 19, according to a person familiar with his plans.

Mr. Biden had previously called for states and territories to make all adults eligible for shots by May 1. As of Tuesday, 36 states have opened eligibility for vaccinations to people ages 16 and older, while 12 more and the District Columbia are already set to do so by April 19.  It is unclear how moving up a deadline set by the president actually changes the distribution of the vaccines or how quickly they're injected into Americans' arms. It was also not immediately clear Tuesday if the new, earlier deadline also signals that vaccine supply is arriving faster or if there are new plans to more quickly vaccinate Americans waiting to get their shots.