CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire will remove its residency requirement for the coronavirus vaccination starting Monday, April 19.
Republican Gov. Chris Sununu had faced some criticism from Democrats and officials in college communities over the state’s initial decision to prohibit college students from other states and other non-residents from being vaccinated in New Hampshire. But that restriction is being lifted because the state anticipates having plenty of doses to go around, Sununu said Thursday.
🚨BREAKING: On April 19 New Hampshire will expand eligibility to all individuals 16+ years old, regardless of residency. With all states expanding eligibility on April 19, we have confidence that there will not be a run on the system that will cause delays for NH residents. pic.twitter.com/DMtGAGEuEw
— Chris Sununu (@GovChrisSununu) April 8, 2021
“We just have so much more availability, we’re gonna have a lot of vaccine here, so we want to get it out to anyone might be here in the state,” he said.
>>>MORE: 3 NH vaccination sites offering J&J COVID-19 vaccines Sunday
“I think it’s a good idea, I think it is, you know,” said New Hampshire resident Joe Fitzgerald.
All New Hampshire residents age 16 and older have been eligible for the vaccine since April 2. About 60% of that population has either been vaccinated or has scheduled their shots, said Elizabeth Daley, chief of the state Bureau of Infectious Disease Control.
“I don’t care who gets it or doesn’t get it, I think it’s a personal choice,” said New Hampshire resident Mindy Maher.
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