As the world was beginning to transition back to normalcy, new obstacles, such as the Delta variant, have made it much more challenging to control the virus. However, the horizon is looking closer ever since the FDA has announced the approval of the Pfizer vaccine.

Hope on the horizon
Ever since the FDA has announced the approval of the Pfizer vaccine, the average number of citizens getting vaccinated has dramatically increased. In fact, according to an ABC News analysis, the U.S. has seen a 17% increase in the number of Americans getting their first dose. This new assurance and confidence have helped those with hesitancy and doubts surrounding the vaccine. As of early September, approximately 473,000 Americans were getting their first shot each day, compared to 404,000 Americans before the Pfizer approval.

Rise in vaccination numbers
According to a newly released Axios-Ipsos poll, only 14% of Americans say that they are not likely to get the vaccine. With recorded cases gradually increasing, a vaccine approval is expected to boost the amount of people getting vaccinated, which will help to control and contain the virus. However, there are still large steps to be made to reach immunization.

New stricter mandates in place
Another positive factor of the approval of the Pfzier vaccine is that President Biden has announced his plan for a stricter vaccine mandate. According to CNN, this new mandate will require all businesses and institutions with over 100 employees to ensure their workers are either vaccinated, or tested weekly, as well as the full vaccination of all government officials and employees. Putting this plan into action would apply to almost 100 million Americans, hopefully resulting in the gradual disappearance and containment of the virus. Additionally, experts say that the authorization of vaccines for children under 12 years old should be expected in several months.

Even with great progress being made, only 53% of the population being fully vaccinated is not enough to reach immunity worldwide. As Dr. Brownstein stated, “We are going to need a much more significant increase in vaccinations if we are going to limit the impact of a fall surge and get to the other side of this pandemic.”