President Biden announced this week that the U.S. has now administered 150 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and is ahead of schedule to meet his goal of giving out 200 million shots in his first 100 days in office.
Because both Pfizer and Moderna require two doses, that milestone means that over 64 million people have been fully vaccinated and nearly 110 million more have received at least one dose.
With vaccinations continuing to proceed at a rapid pace, does this mean that herd immunity is within sight?
"It’s a bit more complicated than it might seem," said Dr. Celine Gounder, infectious diseases specialist and clinical assistant professor at NYU Langone Health. She was also a member of President Biden's Transition COVID-19 Advisory Board.
"The best estimates right now of what it would take to get to herd immunity is probably in the ballpark of about 75-85% of the population."
However, that could change as the more infectious B117 variant continues to circulate in the U.S. That variant now makes up 70% of the cases in Michigan, which is experiencing a surge.
Related
"As the B117 becomes the dominant strain everywhere, which we assume it probably will, that does mean you’re going to need a higher level of herd immunity."
While demand is high for the vaccine right now, if enough people choose not to or cannot get vaccinated, the virus will continue to circulate.
"You would also need to vaccinate kids who are about a quarter of the U.S. population. They will be vaccinated eventually or have the option to be, but that won’t happen until 2022 for younger children," she said.
That is why Dr. Gounder said people should continue to wear masks, avoid large gatherings and get tested if they believe they have the virus.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram