Uneven vaccination rates across the US linked to Covid-19 case trends, worry experts

Last Tuesday was a "landmark day," as the United States reached a new Covid-19 vaccine milestone: 60% of adults have now received at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine, according to the CDC.

 

But vaccination rates across the United States are uneven – a worrisome trend that could obstruct efforts to end the Covid-19 pandemic. Rates range from more than 81% of adults in Vermont with at least one vaccine, to less than 45% of adults in Mississippi.

 

And over the past week, states with higher vaccination rates have generally had lower Covid-19 case rates, a CNN analysis of data from the CDC and Johns Hopkins University found.

 

But the data shows another troubling trend: There are clusters of unvaccinated people in various parts of the country, and the virus could flourish in those areas.

 

"Clearly if you have geographic areas that are under-immunized, the virus is going to find them. It will continue to smolder, will continue to make people sick, will continue to send people to the hospital, and will continue to cause deaths," said Dr. William Schaffner, a member of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

 

As the virus spreads through these areas with low vaccination rates, it has many chances to change and become potentially even more dangerous.

A new report from the CDC found that vaccination rates in rural counties are particularly low. According to the report, vaccination coverage through April 10 of this year was more than 46% in urban counties but less than 39% in rural counties.

 

"We need to continue to ensure vaccination coverage is uniform across the country," CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said during a White House Covid-19 briefing last week. "This will require us to meet people where they are, to listen to their concerns, and to help people make informed decision about vaccination."