All New Mexicans ages 16+ will be eligible for Covid-19 vaccination starting April 5

SANTA FE, New Mexico — The state of New Mexico will open Covid-19 vaccine eligibility to all New Mexicans ages 16 and over beginning April 5.

“President Biden directed states to make all adults eligible for vaccine by May 1. New Mexico will meet that mark nearly a month early,” state Health Secretary Dr. Tracie Collins said in an announcement issued Wednesday.

Even though eligibility is expanding next week, the state health department said it will still continue to prioritize vaccine distribution for New Mexicans aged 75 and older, and those aged 60 and older who have a chronic health condition that put them at greater risk.

While the pace of vaccination has been limited by supply, Collins said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has indicated that New Mexico and other states should expect a “meaningful increase in vaccine supply over the coming weeks.”

New Mexico continues to lead the U.S. in vaccine distribution, with nearly 1.2 million doses administered so far. The latest data from the state indicated that about 27% of residents 16 and older have been fully vaccinated while more than 44% have received their first shots.

For more information on New Mexico's vaccine plans, you can click here to access the state's vaccination website.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)