More states protect access to the COVID shot as feds restrict eligibility

This story was originally published by Stateline .

At least 17 states have taken steps to ensure broader access to the COVID-19 vaccine since last month, when the federal government significantly restricted eligibility for the shot.

Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin have issued orders that aim to make it easier for people to get the COVID-19 vaccine. All but Virginia have Democratic governors.

Together, the moves represent an extraordinary state rebellion against the public health authority of the federal government.

For decades, states have followed the lead of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the federal Centers for