Ever since Joe Biden recently announced that there would be enough vaccine supply for every American by the end of May 2021, many have been anxiously waiting for their turn for the COVID-19 vaccine (I know I am!).
So when can we expect to receive our dose, and when will things be a little more back to normal?
The New York Times reports that as of today, March 15, 2021, 21% of Americans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 11% are fully vaccinated, counting the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. As for Connecticut, 26.2% of people have received the vaccine, and 13.9% are fully vaccinated. This trend is going to continue to increase, as about 2.39 million doses of the vaccine are being administered each day.
Things are certainly looking up for us!
Governor Ned Lamont announced today, March 15, 2021, that he is pushing forward the timeline for the vaccination schedule in Connecticut. As of right now, those who are eligible for the vaccine are individuals over the age of 55, healthcare professionals, first responders, residents and staff of long-term care facilities and congregate settings, as well as Pre-K-12 staff and childcare providers. However, Lamont now plans for the vaccine to be available for individuals ages 45-54 March 19, and for individuals ages 16-44 starting April 5. (that’s us!!).
This certainly moves up the timeline of when we can expect things to go back to normal (or, as normal as it can be). This is largely due to the recent emergency authorization of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which only requires a single dose.
Experts agree that it will take somewhere between 70% and 90% of the US population to take the vaccine in order to reach herd immunity. So, when will this actually happen?
At the current vaccination pace, the New York Times projects that 70% of Americans will have the vaccine by June 27, 2021, and 90% by August 9. Maybe we will be able to have a more “normal” summer after all.
It is still uncertain what policies the CDC will recommend to still be in place and what will be taken away if we reach herd immunity from the vaccine. It is clear though that we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel (finally!).
However, this can only happen if we all do our part. When it is your turn, please get vaccinated to protect you, your loved ones, and the rest of the community from Coronavirus!