Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Vaccination Rate Halves; Fauci Says 70% Need Shots To Avoid Fall Surge
Axios: Fauci: If 70% Of Americans Get Vaccinated, U.S. Can Avoid A Fall Surge
NIAID director Anthony Fauci told the Washington Post leadership summit Thursday that if 70% of Americans get at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine by July 4, the U.S. could avoid a case surge later in the year. Fauci called the COVID-19 vaccine a "positive wild card" that wasn't present in the previous case upticks, but urged the U.S. to continue aggressively vaccinating its population. (Saric, 5/20)
CNN: The Pace Of Vaccinations Is Down By Nearly Half In The Last Month. These States Slow To Vaccinate May Struggle This Summer, Expert Warns
For many, a nationwide return to normalcy from the Covid-19 pandemic is expected to accelerate into the summer as more businesses and state governments prepare for a large-scale reopening. Sports stadiums are filling up, mask mandates are being shed, and travel and tourism industries anticipate a rebound with cruise lines planning for passengers once again. Health officials have pointed out, however, that such successes are largely contingent on getting the US fully vaccinated as quickly as possible. And right now, the rate of vaccination is slowing. (Caldwell, 5/21)
CNN: US Military Sees 55% Jump In Covid-19 Vaccinations Over Last Month
The US military has seen a 55% jump in Covid-19 vaccinations among active-duty service members over the last month, a senior defense official told CNN. The increase comes after the Pentagon opened up vaccinations to the general population on April 19. (Liebermann, 5/20)
CNBC: Is Herd Immunity Possible? New Covid Variants Could Be A Problem
When the coronavirus pandemic started to sweep around the world in 2020, a number of governments and health authorities appeared to pin their hopes on “herd immunity.” This approach would see the virus spread though society and cause infections, but also provoke an immune response in those who have recovered. (Ellyatt, 5/21)
