Gov. Greg Abbott pointed to the rising pace of coronavirus vaccinations, particularly of older adults, as one of the factors in his decision to lift the mask mandate and other pandemic restrictions. Abbott said that by next week roughly half of Texans age 65 and older will have received at least one vaccine shot — a target that's on pace to be met. As of Thursday, 46% of Texans in that age group had received at least one vaccine dose. Abbott made a second prediction during his Tuesday announcement: "By the end of this month, every senior who wants a vaccine shot will be able to get a vaccine shot."