Short Wave Half Of U.S. Adults Have Gotten A Vaccine — But Hurdles Remain For Herd Immunity
Apr 20, 2021
Allison Aubrey, NPR health correspondent, discusses the complex landscape of COVID-19 vaccinations. She highlights that while half of U.S. adults have received at least one vaccine dose, significant hurdles remain, including the pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Vaccine hesitancy persists, especially among women and younger adults, making outreach essential. Aubrey emphasizes the importance of community leaders in addressing these hesitancies and restoring public trust as the nation strives for herd immunity.
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Vaccination Milestone
- Half of U.S. adults have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose.
- Everyone 16 and up is now eligible, but hesitancy and spreading variants pose challenges.
Vaccine Eligibility and Availability
- Vaccine eligibility has expanded, but the J&J vaccine is paused.
- Teenagers can get Pfizer, while adults have Pfizer or Moderna as options.
Address Vaccine Hesitancy
- Vaccine appointments are going unfilled, especially in certain areas.
- Outreach and addressing hesitancy are key to increasing vaccination rates.