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- Just over half of the U.S. population is now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to CDC data.
- The milestone comes nearly eight months after the US FDA issued emergency use authorization for the Pfizer vaccine.
- There has been an increased push for vaccinations as cases increase due to the Delta variant.
Just over half of people in the United States are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data updated on Saturday.
According to CDC data, 50.1% of the US population has been fully immunized against the disease. Slightly more – 58.5% – are partially vaccinated against the disease, meaning they started the two-part vaccine series but did not complete it.
The milestone comes eight months after the first vaccine – produced by Pfizer and BioNTech – received emergency use clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on December 11 last year. The Moderna vaccine received the same clearance later in December, and the Johnson & Johson single-injection vaccine was cleared in February.
None of the vaccines have received official FDA approval, although officials apparently aim to secure approval for Pfizer’s shot by early September, The New York Times reported.
The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for use in children aged 12 to 15 years, although none of the vaccines are currently authorized for children under 12 years of age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that students and staff mask themselves when they return to class. their vaccination status.
About 61% of American adults are fully vaccinated compared to about 71% of American adults who are only partially vaccinated against the disease. President Joe Biden had said he wanted 70% of all American adults to be vaccinated before the July 4 vacation, although the target was not met until early August.
U.S. officials are working to promote the vaccine and stress its safety amid continued reluctance by some Americans to the vaccine as the most contagious Delta variant causes an increase in cases in the United States , especially in areas with low vaccination rates. While those vaccinated can contract and spread the virus, data and experts suggest that the vaccine is effective in preventing serious illness and death.
The number of people in the United States receiving the first dose of a series of vaccines each week has nearly doubled over the past month, Politico reported. The largest increase has come in states with lower vaccination rates and in areas where hospitalizations and deaths are increasing due to the latest increase, according to the report.
This important step also comes as vaccination mandates become more common. Federal government employees will soon need to get vaccinated or undergo regular testing for COVID-19. Large companies, including United Airlines and Walmart, have also announced vaccination warrants for their employees.
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