Dr. Peter Hotez stated that the rapid spread of the Delta coronavirus variant has made it more difficult for Americans to receive vaccinations in order to attain herd immunity.
Hotez, who is codirector of the Center for Vaccine Development at Texas Children's Hospital, said that "We're now realizing that with the variant which's this transmissible we have to get up to 85%, or maybe, as Tony Fauci stated, 90% of the country vaccinated."
"That's not 85% or 90% of the adults. That's 85-90% which means all the adults and all the adolescents if we're going to get over this. This is why he's giving extended time frames before we get rid of Covid-19.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, White House chief medical advisor, predicted that the nation would have some control over Covid by spring 2022 if an "overwhelming majority" of those who have not been vaccinated get vaccinated. Covid deaths in the U.S. are at an all-time high of more than 1,000 per day, as reported in March.
Officials in the United States believe that vaccination is the best way to reduce rising cases. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 51% of the U.S. total population was fully vaccinated against Covid as of Sunday.
Hotez said that the U.S. will have to "readjust" based on data from Israel. This could mean that masks may be required outside.
Hotez stated, "If you're in crowded areas outside, this can be quite transmissible."
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, the Oregon governor, signed Tuesday a new outdoor mask mandate that requires all people to wear masks outdoors regardless of their vaccination status.
