Brighter outlook as Americans embrace Covid-19 vaccination rollout

The US vaccinated more than four million people last Saturday, breaking new ground in its inoculation program.

Joe Biden returns to the White House in Washington on Monday. Picture: AFP

The US vaccinated more than four million people last Saturday, breaking new ground in its inoculation program and giving credence to President Joe Biden’s ambition that Americans will be able to celebrate July 4 with family and friends.

More than 106 million people, or 32 per cent of the population, have received at least one dose of one of the three vaccines available. More than 61 million people have had two jabs.

Much of the US has already returned to a semblance of normality. In many states, shops, restaurants and bars are open, albeit with limits on the number of people allowed to enter.

Despite the aggressive rollout of the vaccine, there are concerns the virus is spreading in parts of the US, which could trigger a fourth wave if the vaccination program is not able to keep up. Over the past week, an average 64,019 new cases were reported across the country, an 18 per cent rise from the average a fortnight earlier, according to analysis by The New York Times.

Mr Biden, 78, came into office in January promising to vaccinate 100 million in his first 100 days, an ambition easily achieved and since increased to 200 million jabs.

The Times