Jul 30, 2021 - Politics & Policy

White House: Over 500,000 new shots recorded Friday, highest since July 1

Oriana González

Picture of White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre — Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The United States recorded more than half a million new COVID-19 vaccine shots on Friday, the highest number since July 1, White House deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

Why it matters: The Delta variant is continuing to spread across the United States and it now comprises over 80% of the coronavirus cases in the country, Jean-Pierre said. A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that "vaccination is the most important strategy to prevent severe illness and death."

Coronavirus cases have been increasing since around late June, according to CDC data.

State of play: Jean-Pierre also reported that the number of people getting vaccination shots is up by 30%.

What they're saying: "This is an encouraging sign, but we need everyone across the country to have a conversation with someone they know who is unvaccinated about getting the shot," Jean-Pierre said during the press briefing.

"This is how we will stop the spread of the Delta variant," she added.

Of note: Jean-Pierre clarified that "a national vaccine requirement is not under consideration" by the Biden administration.

Go deeper: CDC: Delta variant may cause mild COVID among fully vaccinated people

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White House: Over 500,000 new shots recorded Friday, highest since July 1

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