Biden Must Intensify the Battle Against Covid as Delta variant Spreads

Strategic Insights -

The recent FDA's full approval of the BioNTech/Pfizer coronavirus vaccine has brought much-needed relief to the Biden administration, but it has also highlighted the urgency of accelerating the US vaccination rate. With fewer than half of America's 12- to 18-year-olds and only a third of its 12- to 15-year-olds vaccinated, the country is at a critical juncture in its battle against the Delta variant. Biden's efforts to counter the spread of the virus are hindered by constitutional constraints and a vocal minority's resistance to mask and vaccine mandates, which have become a symbol of state oppression in the US.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FDA's approval of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine has removed one lingering parental argument against vaccinating eligible kids, making it easier for school districts and private sector employers to impose vaccine mandates.
  • The Biden administration has threatened to withhold funds from states that have banned mask mandates for staff and children and is exploring civil rights lawsuits against the offending states.
  • A majority of parents believe their children should be masked even in states that have been pushing back the hardest against mask mandates, such as Florida.
  • The spread of the Delta variant is primarily responsible for worrying signs that the economy may be slowing, including declining consumer sentiment.
  • America has roughly five times the daily deaths and infections as it had in spring when the vaccine take-up rate was fastest, making it an inflection point in the battle against coronavirus.
  • Biden can extend the vaccine mandate to every federal agency and government contractors, emulating the Pentagon's decision to require all 2.1m employees to take the vaccine.
  • The future of the US recovery is at stake, and ensuring that restrictions are followed and unscientific rumor-mongering is rebutted will be essential to halting and reversing the spread of Covid.

Statistics:

  • Only 38% of America's 16-to-18-year-olds and 33% of its 12-to-15-year-olds have been vaccinated against the coronavirus.
  • The US has roughly 5 times the daily deaths and infections as it had in spring when the vaccine take-up rate was fastest.
  • A majority of parents (70%) have taken at least one dose of the vaccine, highlighting the freedom of the majority being put in jeopardy by an irresponsible minority.
  • The Pentagon has 2.1m employees, all of whom are required to take the vaccine following the FDA ruling.

Sources:

  • Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
  • Federal Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Miguel Cardonas, Education Secretary, the Biden administration
  • Pentagon
  • "US polarisation" statistics and public opinion polls (no specific date or source mentioned)