Trump administration officials on Tuesday plan to strongly encourage states to expand access to COVID-19 vaccinations to anyone older than 65, regardless of underlying conditions, and anyone 16 and older with a pre-existing condition, according to two U.S. officials.
Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will send out a letter to governors making these recommendations on Tuesday.
The planned announcement, first reported by Axios, come amid concerns the vaccine rollout has been slower than expected.
President Donald Trump’s team and experts working with President-elect Joe Biden have been frustrated that the vaccines haven’t been administered more widely.
One official noted the federal government is sending $3 billion to support vaccine distribution and has been offering technical assistance aimed at helping to set up larger vaccination sites.
The Pfizer vaccine is labeled for only ages 16 and older and the Moderna vaccine is for those 18 and older.
Existing guidelines from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices won’t be changed, one official said.
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