U.S. averaging a half-million new vaccinations per day for the first time since June

States with the highest virus case rates have made the greatest strides in increasing immunizations, he said. The average number of shots given per day has nearly tripled in Arkansas and quadrupled in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi in the last month.

“We’re getting more shots in arms in the places that need them the most,” Zients said. “That’s what it’s going to take to end this pandemic: More vaccinations, more Americans doing their part and rolling up their sleeve.”

The vaccination news comes as the nation continues to experience an increase in coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Ninety percent of U.S. counties are now experiencing substantial or high transmission of the virus, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky said.

She noted, “Those at highest risk remain people who have not yet been vaccinated.” ...

In other developments: