May 8, 2021 - Health

States request fewer coronavirus vaccines as demand plummets

Jacob Knutson

A pharmacy student preparing a coronavirus vaccine in Angeles, California, on May 7. Photo: Frederic Brown/AFP via Getty Images

States are requesting fewer doses of the coronavirus vaccine as demand for the shots plummets, according to AP.

Why it matters: Over half of all American adults have now gotten at least one shot of a vaccine, and 42% of adults are fully vaccinated. But administering more vaccines may become more difficult because adults who are enthusiastic about getting vaccinated have likely already received at least one dose.

By the numbers, via AP:

Wisconsin requested 8% of the 162,680 doses the federal government had set aside for the state next week.
Iowa asked for 29% of that its allocated doses for next week.
Connecticut requested 26% of its allotment.
South Carolina plans to order 21% of its doses.
Washington state cut its order by about 40% this week.

Yes, but: Not every state is cutting back orders, and the Biden administration has said it will re-allocate the country's growing vaccine surplus to states and cities with increased demand.

The big picture: Some experts believe it's unlikely the U.S. will ever reach herd immunity.

Instead, the novel coronavirus could become "a manageable threat" that circulates for years, similar to influenza strains that cause the seasonal flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Go deeper: How the coronavirus pandemic could end

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States request fewer coronavirus vaccines as demand plummets

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