WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced he is setting a new goal to administer at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose to 70 percent of Americans by July 4 as he attempts to win over vaccine “doubters”.
Biden’s new goal comes as the demand for vaccines has dropped off nationwide. The President called for states to make vaccines available on a walk-in basis and he will direct pharmacies to follow that trend.
“You do need to get vaccinated,” Biden said. “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.”
The President’s goal is to get the first dose to 181 million adults and fully vaccinating 160 million. As of this writing, 105 million are fully vaccinated and 56 percent of American adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Biden administration will be shipping Covid-19 vaccines to rural health clinics and providing funding to help communities to get more Americans vaccinated.
“I’d like to get it 100%, but I think realistically we can get to that place between now and July Fourth,” Biden said.
Biden’s remarks come as the White House shifted away from allocating vaccines by state population. Iowa turned nearly three quarters of the vaccine doses available due to demand for the shots remaining low.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show’s Louisiana’s coronavirus vaccination rate is below most states.
“The pace of vaccinations is slowing now that the majority of American adults have gotten their first shot. But we’re still vaccinating millions of Americans every day,” Biden said.
Biden also announced more than $130 million in funding to improve vaccine education and work to improving health issues in underserved communities.
“This is your choice: it’s life and death, and I hope everyone knows within themselves and makes the choice that’s going to help them and their loved ones be safe,” he said.
