Pfizer Approval from FDA Causes Temporary Increase in Vaccinations

Data shows following the FDA’s decision to fully grant approval to Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine in August, vaccination rates did not increase in the long term but they did for a short time. Experts hoped that with the approval from the FDA, many people who were hesitant about getting the vaccine would get their shot but many did not. From August 23rd to September 3rd, the seven day average of vaccines administered increased by 16% from 575,000 a day to 668,000. The Moderna vaccine saw a 5% increase during that time.

According to data from the the CDC, currently 75.8% of Americans who are eligible to get their shot have gotten at least one dose. Nearly 56% of the total population or 65.4% of those ages 12 and up who are eligible are fully vaccinated against the virus. 15 states have yet to fully vaccinate more than half their residents which consists of much of the south including South Carolina.