Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Covid Outbreaks A Possibility For States That Miss Biden's 70% Shot Goal
CNN: States That Fall Well Below Vaccinating 70% Of Adults Are 'Sitting Ducks' For An Outbreak, Expert Warns
The US is pushing to have 70% of adults get at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine by July 4, but an expert said that number is important to reach at the state level too -- and those states who are falling well below may be vulnerable to another outbreak. "There are 12 states that are already at 70%. I worry about the ones that are way below that, and they are sitting ducks for the next outbreak of Covid-19 -- which shouldn't have to happen now," National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins told CNN's Chris Cuomo. (Holcombe, 6/4)
The New York Times: Here Are The States Falling Behind Biden’s Covid-19 Vaccination Goal
The United States is roughly on track to meet President Biden’s goal of getting at least one Covid-19 shot into the arms of 70 percent of adults by July 4 — if the current vaccination pace holds. But demand for vaccines has decreased in much of the country in recent weeks, and the promising national numbers (about 63 percent of adults have received at least one shot) do not reflect the uneven rates among states. Even if the country as a whole reaches the national target, at least 30 states probably will not. And a handful are unlikely to reach the 70 percent mark before the end of the year, a New York Times analysis shows, potentially prolonging the pandemic. (Gamio and Walker, 6/3)
In other updates on the vaccine rollout —
AP: Washington Vaccination Lottery: Cash Prize, Tuition, Flights
Washington is the latest state to offer prizes to encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, with Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday announcing a series of giveaways that includes lottery drawings totaling $2 million, college tuition assistance, airline tickets and game systems. The incentive program, called “Shot of a Lifetime,” applies to those who start the vaccination process this month as well as residents who are already vaccinated. (La Corte, 6/3)
AP: Louisiana Adds Free State Park Visits To COVID Vaccine Perks
Louisiana is adding free entry to all 21 state parks as a perk for getting vaccinated against COVID-19, Gov. John Bel Edwards said Thursday. Unlike the free drinks available this month at some bars and restaurants around the state, the free admission runs through July for anyone who can prove full vaccination, no matter when, he said. (McConnaughey, 6/4)
Los Angeles Times: L.A. County To Close Mass COVID-19 Vaccination Sites
Amid a decline in demand for the COVID-19 vaccine, Los Angeles County will soon close four large-scale vaccination sites and replace them with smaller ones, officials said Thursday. On Monday, the county will close the Cal State Northridge site. People who received their first dose there have appointments to get their second dose at the nearby Balboa Sports Complex. (Miller, 6/3)
AP: Maine To Shut Down Mobile Vaccine Unit In 2 Weeks
Maine’s mobile coronavirus vaccine unit is being redirected to southern parts of the state later this month, and will wrap up service in two weeks. The state has used the mobile unit to provide the vaccine to rural and underserved communities. It’s scheduled to continue that effort in Madawaska in far northern Maine from June 5 to 7. (6/4)
Also —
AP: Heart Reaction Probed As Possible Rare Vaccine Link In Teens
Health authorities are trying to determine whether heart inflammation that can occur along with many types of infections could also be a rare side effect in teens and young adults after the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. An article on seven U.S. teen boys in several states, published online Friday in Pediatrics, is among the latest reports of heart inflammation discovered after COVID-19 vaccination, though a link to the vaccine has not been proven. The boys, aged 14 to 19, received Pfizer shots in April or May and developed chest pain within a few days. Heart imaging tests showed a type of heart muscle inflammation called myocarditis. (Tanner and Neergaard, 6/4)
KHN: In Missouri And Other States, Flawed Data Makes It Hard To Track Vaccine Equity
Throughout the covid-19 vaccination effort, public health officials and politicians have insisted that providing shots equitably across racial and ethnic groups is a top priority. But it’s been left up to states to decide how to do that and to collect racial and ethnic data on vaccinated individuals so states can track how well they’re doing reaching all groups. The gaps and inconsistencies in the data have made it difficult to understand who’s actually getting shots. (Smith, 6/4)
