Rhode Island To Receive More Coronavirus Vaccines Next Week

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island will receive more coronavirus vaccine doses from the federal government starting next week, Sen. Jack Reed announced Wednesday. The state's supply will be increased by about 1,000 doses.

"We'll keep at it to ensure everyone who wants a shot can get one as soon as possible," Reed said.

The increased supply will help the state's continued effort to vaccinate as many residents as possible, as quickly as possible. Demand continues to far outpace supply, Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott said previously.

Starting this week, vaccine appointments are open to Rhode Islanders aged 65 and older. Two state-run sites are operational and capable of vaccinating thousands of people per day. At this time, the two sites can accommodate about 1,400 appointments per day, thought the Rhode Island Department of Health plans to scale up operations as more doses become available.

As of Wednesday, nearly 218,000 total doses had been distributed in the state. More than 153,000 were first doses, while about 64,070 residents are fully vaccinated.

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