How Did the US Achieve 200 Million COVID-19 Vaccinations in Just 100 Days?

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] "We promised to achieve 100 million vaccine doses within 100 days of inauguration, and we achieved it in 58 days. We raised the goal to 200 million doses, and we accomplished that as well."

U.S. President Joe Biden said on the 21st (local time), "We have administered 200 million COVID-19 vaccine doses on the 92nd day of my presidency."

President Biden stated, "At the vaccination pace at the time of inauguration, it would have taken more than 220 days to reach 200 million doses," adding, "I am proud of our administration's efforts."

Since a nurse first administered the vaccine in Long Island, New York City, on December 14 last year, 40.5% of the entire U.S. population has received at least one dose. Those fully vaccinated with two doses account for 26.4%, roughly one in four people.

Although the vaccination pace was slow initially, it accelerated after President Biden took office on January 20 and promised to administer 100 million doses within 100 days.

How did the Biden administration elevate the U.S. to one of the top countries in vaccination rates? First, under the new administration's leadership, vaccine production and supply accelerated. A representative example is the U.S. multinational pharmaceutical company Merck assisting competitor Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) in vaccine production. The New York Times explained, "The Biden administration made this decision to accelerate vaccine production."

The administration also poured national resources into securing vaccine supplies. The Biden administration fully mobilized the Defense Production Act to produce vaccines for domestic use. This law, which restricted raw material exports to ensure domestic vaccine supply, was actually pointed out as an obstacle to global vaccine supply.

As vaccine supply increased, state governments continuously expanded vaccination eligibility. The Alaska state government announced that, having secured sufficient vaccines, it would begin vaccinating domestic tourists starting June 1. Since the 19th, all adults regardless of age in 50 states, including the territories of Puerto Rico and the capital Washington D.C., have been eligible for vaccination.

Improving accessibility to vaccination sites was also a key factor. Upon inauguration, President Biden significantly increased the number of federal vaccination centers. Gyms, furniture showrooms, and even amusement parks were utilized as vaccination centers. Collaborating with about 40,000 pharmacies nationwide, 90% of the population could receive vaccines within 5 miles (approximately 8 km) of their residence, and drive-through vaccinations were introduced.

Additionally, 4,000 active-duty military personnel were deployed to vaccination sites, and dentists, veterinarians, paramedics, medical students, and retired healthcare workers were authorized to administer injections. Small businesses that provided paid leave for employees to get vaccinated were offered tax credit benefits.

The Biden administration also conducted active promotional campaigns targeting people hesitant to get vaccinated. According to Axios and others, the White House recently focused on outreach to Latinx and Black communities and conservative party supporters, groups with relatively high vaccine hesitancy.

Experts appeared on Spanish-language broadcasts and radio programs popular among Black listeners to encourage vaccination, and related notices were made visible on Twitter and Facebook.

The U.S. plans to focus on domestic vaccine supply for the time being. Regarding overseas vaccine supply, President Biden stated on the 21st, "We do not currently have enough vaccines to confidently send them abroad."

As a result, vaccine supply to other countries, including South Korea, is expected to face difficulties. Ned Price, spokesperson for the State Department, said about the Korea-U.S. vaccine swap, "We will not comment on private diplomatic talks with South Korea or other countries," adding, "Above all, we are focusing on domestic vaccination at this stage."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.