United States surpassed 200 million vaccines applied against COVID-19

The United States has exceeded 200 million coronavirus vaccines applied, confirmed by the President of the country, Joe Biden, noting that he kept his promise to exceed that number of vaccinations in his first 100 days in office.

“We hit 200 million vaccines on day 92 in office,” Biden said, something that considered “an incredible achievement for the nation”, because at the rate of vaccination that prevailed in the country when he took office, it would have taken “more than 220 days, seven and a half months” to reach this figure.

From Monday, he added, anyone over the age of 16 will be eligible to receive the vaccine nationwide. He also referred to more specific figures of the vaccination strategy, such as the fact that when he took office, only 8% of people over 65 had received their first vaccine, while it now exceeds 80%.

This caused, as detailed by the president, “A spectacular drop in deaths among those over 65: a reduction of 80%”.

“If you are over 16, you can now request your free COVID-19 vaccination“Said the president, representing an enlargement of the age groups to receive the vaccine. “Americans over 16, it’s your turn now,” he said.

On the other hand, he underlined the vaccination effort that was carried out among teachers, school staff, bus drivers and babysitters, which allowed schools in the country to gradually return to face-to-face lessons.

However, Although the United States has already successfully vaccinated more than half of its entire adult population, Biden has launched a financial incentive for those who have not yet been vaccinated.

Thanks to a tax credit, this measure will allow companies with fewer than 500 employees to fully offset the cost of granting a maximum of 80 hours, or 10 working days, of paid leave to employees who need it to to get vaccinated.

“No working American should lose a single dollar of their salary for deciding to fulfill their patriotic duty to get vaccinated.», Considered the president while explaining this new incentive.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 43% of workers nationwide have received at least one dose, making it one of the most undecided groups to get vaccinated against the virus.

Surveys have shown that doubts about vaccines have diminished since their launch, But administration officials believe they need to make vaccination easier and more attractive, especially for young Americans who are less likely to contract the virus and do not feel the same urgency as adults. It means to provide incentives and encouragement to get vaccinated, as well as reduce the friction surrounding the vaccination process.

Maximizing the number of Americans vaccinated in the coming months is essential for the White House, which aims to restore a semblance of normality around the July 4 vacation and even more for the next school year.

The United States is on track to have an adequate supply of vaccines for all adults by the end of May and for all Americans by July, but the administration of the injections will be another matter.

Finally, Biden again insisted and encouraged the population to get vaccinated. “For Americans 16 and over, it’s their turn now. Now. So get vaccinated before the end of May ”.

With information from Europa Press

KEEP READING: