By the close of May, the US will have enough Covid vaccines for every adult, says President Biden.
This will be two months before the previous expectations. But Mr Biden said there must be a drive for vaccination extension, and people convinced to take it.
Also, he warned people to stay vigilant because the fight is far from over. Further, the risk of new variants is a primary concern.
Though his caution is at odds with some states, which are relaxing restrictions to boost economies.
Not to mention, there has been a sharp fall in cases since the beginning of the year. But in some areas, the drops have been levelling off, fuelling fears for another wave.
The US has recorded 28.7 million infections and around 516,000 deaths since the pandemic began related to Covid. The numbers are according to the collated from the research of Johns Hopkins University.
More than 76 million vaccination doses are administered, covering 15.3percent of the population. Moreover, the US remains on the track of meeting Biden’s pledge of delivering 100 million doses of the Covid vaccine within his first 100 days of office.
Mr Biden’s latest announcement
The president said that Merck would now help Jhonson & Johnson produce its new one-shot drug. Merck has discontinued work on its vaccine this year.
They are now on track to have enough vaccine supply for each adult in the States by the end of month May. Biden said, adding it was the type of collaboration amid companies we saw in World War Two.
But the president acknowledged that the supply was only one issue. Moreover, the nation needs to extend its vaccination drive and convince people to take the shots.
The country needs vaccinators, people who put the jab in people’s arms, millions of American arms, he said.
Great news, he added, but stay vigilant as it isn’t over yet.
The evolution of new variants could also require booster shots for those already vaccinated.