The U.S. has reported 30% of adults fully vaccinated, and nearly 50% of the U.S. adult population having received at least one vaccine dose, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But we’re still a far way from herd immunity. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, has said the number could be as high as 85%.
Meanwhile, people will probably need a third shot of the Pfizer/BioNTech within 12 months of being fully vaccinated, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla told CNBC on Thursday. Annual shots may also be needed, Bourla said.
COVID-19 variants will “play a key role” in determining what future vaccinations will be needed, The Hill quotes Bourla. The nation’s primary focus at the moment should be vaccinating the population now to prevent the virus’ spread, he said.
In addition, Fauci said this week that people may need to get booster shots for the COVID vaccines in a year, during an interview with MSNBC’s Medhi Hasan. Recent data suggests that Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines provide protection for at least six months, Fauci said.
Also in the news:
►Chicago high schoolers may return to class for the first time in more than a year after the city’s teachers union reached a tentative agreement Thursday with the school district. Terms of the agreement haven’t been released yet.
►Johnson & Johnson asked Moderna and Pfizer to join a study into the risks of blood clots, but the rival companies declined, the Wall Street…
