US President Joe Biden has announced that 300 million vaccine shots administered in the 150 days since he took office. The country has set a target of administering at least one dose to 70% of adults by July 4. So far, 65 percent of the people administered at least one dose. Biden appreciated scientists, companies, citizens and his whole-of-government effort. The president noted that the widespread vaccination campaign had set the stage for most Americans to have a relatively normal summer as businesses reopen and employers hire.
The President urged people not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible to avoid the new strain of the virus. During a speech at the White House, Biden said, "We're heading into a very different summer compared to last year. A bright summer. Prayerfully, a summer of joy."
As vaccination has significantly reduced coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths in recent months, the president underscored the need for the vaccine. Describing his administration's national immunization effort, he said where the number of vaccinations is less, the cases are increasing. Expressing concern over this, Biden said the truth is that where people are being vaccinated, there has been a huge reduction in deaths and hospitalizations. But unfortunately, states, where the number of vaccinations is less are seeing cases and hospitalizations increase.
According to the New York Times, Biden had set a July 4 target to administer the first dose of the vaccine to 70% of American adults. So far, 65 percent of adults have received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the CDC. He has also allowed the lifting of all pandemic restrictions on business and physical distancing in California and New York.