Officials across the Hudson Valley are hopeful they can meet the vaccination goals laid out by President Joe Biden.

Just hours after signing a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill into law, President Joe Biden delivered his first primetime address to the nation Thursday night giving his plan to combat the coronavirus.

The president is expanding the eligibility guidelines for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, and he wants that in place in about a month and a half. "The only way to get our lives back, to get our economy back on track is to beat the virus."

Biden is directing all states to ensure everyone 18 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine by May 1.

So far, states have limited eligibility, prioritizing high-risk individuals and front-line workers. The field expanded just this week in New York, the age limit was lowered from 65 to 60.

The president's new directive comes as part of a broader strategy that included increasing the number of vaccination sites and active-duty troops to support the vaccination effort.

Biden says his administration will also roll out a new website and 1-800 number designed to help people find a vaccination location and secure an appointment.

He also says he will expand the number of places people can go to get vaccinated.

"Well I think they're feasible deadlines. It obviously depends on a couple of factors that we can't know how it'll play out. The first one, will be pharmaceutical companies be able to produce the amount of vaccine that they say they will? There may be any number of things that could happen. We're still in the winter so there's always a weather issue that could impact it," says Westchester County Executive George Latimer.

Vaccine supply will certainly come into play with the president's directive. State officials have told News 12 that they have the facilities but not always have the vaccine.

The president also says his administration is also looking to accelerate a massive nationwide effort to reopen schools safely and as soon as possible. "If we do our part, if we do this together, by July 4, there's a good chance you, your families and friends will be able to get together"

The July 4 mention caught the attention of many News 12 viewers. "He's talking July 4 everybody should be out and about, and I'm ready to get rid of these masks because I'm tired of not wearing my lipstick," said Joanna Jordan, of the Bronx.