Over 100K people sign up for vaccine after eligibility opens to those 16 and up

 

On Wednesday, all residents 16 and older became eligible for the vaccine. Within the first 30 minutes of the day, 21,000 people signed up for a vaccine appointment. By noon, the number was 96,000.

Even though the state is getting additional vaccines and all adults are eligible, Dr. Kristina Box, the state health commissioner, said the more contagious variants are spreading across the state.

"We are in a race between the vaccine and the variants. Unfortunately, right now the variants are picking up steam. Indiana has now reported 137 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant," Dr. Box said.

The B.1.1.7 variant is the one that originated in the UK.

She said the state has 221 'breakthrough' COVID-19 cases. This is when people test positive for COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine.

Gov. Eric Holcomb also announced Wednesday the federal government will be sending over 400,000 doses of the vaccine to the state this week.