In President Biden’s first prime-time television address last Thursday, he declared  for all American adults to be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination by May 1 this year.

“First, tonight, I’m announcing that I will direct all states, tribes and territories to make all adults, people 18 and over, eligible to be vaccinated no later than May 1,” he announced in his speech to the nation. “Let me say that again. All adult Americans will be eligible to get a vaccine no later than May 1. That’s much earlier than expected.”

As of last Friday, the United States has administered over 100 million COVID-19 vaccinations, and 35 million American adults have been fully vaccinated, making up 13.5% of the population, according to data from CNBC. Additionally, 66 million people have received at least one of two doses, making up around 20% of the population.

Plenty of Americans are still eager to get vaccinated as soon as they are able, but appointment slots fill up quickly. As of last Wednesday, in Sonoma County, 167,930 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have been administered, with 50,889 citizens fully vaccinated, according to SoCo Emergency. 10% of Sonoma County residents have received all necessary doses of the vaccine.

In his address, Biden went on to clarify that his May 1 promise does not guarantee all adults will receive the vaccine by that date, but rather that all adults will be permitted to receive the vaccine by that date.

“And let me be clear, that doesn’t mean everyone’s going to have that shot immediately, but it means you’ll be able to get in line beginning May 1,” Biden said. “Every adult will be eligible to get their shot.”

Still, some Seawolves worry that Biden is promising more than can be delivered. 

“I doubt this will be the ‘save-all’ everyone thinks it is. Vaccines have been out for a long time and we still don’t have it together,” said second-year student Shea Herrera. “I don’t think they will get enough vaccines to the places that need them.”

Herrera is referring to the widespread shortages of vaccines throughout the state and the country. Recently, appointments for vaccination in Sonoma County had to be cancelled due to a lack of available doses. 

“I don’t think greater vaccine eligibility will fix much, because of the lack of vaccines,” Herrera added. 

The Press Democrat called the vaccine shortages “incongruous with President Joe Biden’s pledge” in an article by Phil Barber, who also wrote that Sutter Health in Sonoma County is only being provided with two thirds of the amount of second-dose vaccines needed for healthcare workers and senior citizens.

However, in Biden’s speech, he stated that his administration has “been working with vaccine manufacturers Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson to manufacture and purchase hundreds of millions of doses of these three safe, effective vaccines” to combat the persistent shortages.

“Now, because of all the work we’ve done, we’ll have enough vaccine supply for all adults in America by the end of May. That’s months ahead of schedule,” Biden said. “And we’ve been creating more places to get the shots. We’ve made it possible for you to get a vaccine at any one of 10,000 pharmacies across the country. Just like you get your flu shot.”

With his claim that there will be enough vaccines for all adults before June, Biden has ignited hope and skepticism among the American people, who are waiting to see if he can deliver on his promise.