In an acceleration of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination timeline, Governor Janet Mills announced Thursday that all Mainers 16 and older will be eligible for a shot starting Wednesday.

Vaccinations for Mainers 16 and older were set to begin on April 19th under the previous version of the plan, but the governor’s office says an increase in vaccine supply from the federal government has allowed them to accelerate the timeline.

Right now, only Mainers 50 and older are eligible.

“Maine continues to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible. With the Federal government significantly increasing our supply of vaccines, it is appropriate to accelerate our timeframe and make all Maine people eligible beginning next Wednesday,” said Governor Janet Mills.

“While this is a great step forward, Maine people should keep in mind that even though they are eligible it will still take time to get an appointment and get a vaccine. We will continue to work with vaccine providers across Maine to get shots into arms as quickly as we can.”

The state of Maine on Thursday placed an order for enough COVID-19 vaccine doses for 54,790 people, representing an increase of 9,590 compared to this week’s supply.

Maine’s DHHS announced Thursday that next week’s shipment from the federal government includes doses of all three approved vaccines. The 54,790 figure does not include doses that are being sent directly from the federal government to pharmacies and federally qualified health centers in Maine.

“Maine has administered first doses of the COVID-19 vaccines to over one-third of residents ages 50 to 59, and we expect to reach two-thirds of this age group within the next week, ” said DHHS Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew. “Our work to reach out to Maine residents who may be hesitant or struggling to get a COVID-19 vaccine continues.”

As of Thursday, 32.4% of Mainers had received their first dose of a vaccine and 20.6% had gotten a second dose.