The White House expects the US will reach an important pandemic milestone Tuesday — with half of the adult population becoming fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Today, the United States will reach 50% of American adults fully vaccinated,” a White House officials said Tuesday morning in an email blasted out to reporters.
As of 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, 49.8% of Americans 18 years old or older had been fully vaccinated, according to CDC data.
At least 61.5% had received at least one shot of a vaccine, the data shows.
Earlier this month, President Biden said he wanted to get at least 70 percent of Americans inoculated by July 4.
On Sunday, the US reported 13,186 new coronavirus cases — way down from the approximately 61,000 new cases at this point last month, according to CDC data.
The promising news comes as vaccine-maker Moderna said Tuesday that its COVID-19 shots are safe and “highly effective” for people as young as 12.
At least 61.5 percent of American adults have received at least one shot of a vaccine. AFP via Getty Images
President Joe Biden aims to have at least 70 percent of Americans vaccinated by July 4. Getty Images
Moderna announced Tuesday that its COVID-19 vaccine is safe for children age 12 and older. Getty Images