President Joe Biden set a new goal of vaccinating 70% adults of the USA by July 4. The aim is to deliver at least one COVID vaccine shot to 181 million adults and have 160 million US adults fully vaccinated by July Fourth.
Biden made the announcement of Tuesday saying, “We’re going to make it easier than ever to get vaccinated. Two months from today… families across the country are going to celebrate the Fourth of July. Our goal, by July Fourth, is to have 70% of adult Americans with at least one shot and at least 160 Americans fully vaccinated.”
During the announcement, the President addressed the vaccine “doubters” and encouraged unvaccinated people to get the shot. Biden announced from the White House, “You do need to get vaccinated! Even if your chance of getting seriously ill is low, why take the risk? It could save your life or the lives of somebody you love.”
Currently, 56% of American adults have received at least one shot of vaccines, and around 105 million adults are fully vaccinated. Biden said his aim is to take the count to a 100%. He said, “I’d like to get it 100%, but I think realistically we can get to that place between now and July Fourth,”
As per the new goal, the Biden administration would focus on three main areas to boost up the pace of vaccination-
- Adults who need more convincing to take the vaccine.
- Those who have struggled or are in no hurry to obtain a shot.
- Adolescents aged 12-15, once federal authorities approve vaccination for that age group.
Other than that, Biden’s administration is also shifting doses from states with weaker demand to areas with stronger interest in the shots. Although the demand and pace for the vaccine is already on the decline, as per the CDC, President Biden is optimistic about this new goal. He said, “The light at the end of the tunnel is actually growing brighter and brighter.”
According to the senior administration officials, in order to achieve the new target, Biden has directed pharmacies participating in the federal pharmacy program to “offer walk-in appointments and redirect Federal Emergency Management Agency resources to support more pop-up clinics, smaller community vaccination sites and more mobile clinics.”
