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Syndication: Worcester Telegram
New York (77WABC) – In early May, President Joe Biden announced that he wanted 70% of Americans to have received at least their first vaccination shot by July 4. A month before this deadline, there are 63% of Americans with at least one dose, according to the New York Times. If this trend keeps up, there will be 68% of Americans at least half-vaccinated by the Fourth of July, just shy of the 70% goal.
Currently, there are five states – Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Wyoming – in which not even 50% of residents have received the first shot. At the current rate, only Louisiana and Tennessee which even reach 50% by the deadline. However, there are some states that have already gone above 50%. The top five are Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Vermont.
The New York Times also reported new vaccination incentives. On Wednesday, President Biden announced free child care to parents who needed a caregiver to look after their kids while they went to get vaccinated. The NFL is giving away 50 free Super Bowl LVI tickets for next year’s big day. Major League Baseball teams are offering people free tickets to a game if they get vaccinated. Anheuser-Busch has promised everyone a free beer if the nation reaches the 70% goal by July 4.
We’re teaming up with the @WhiteHouse in the fight against #COVID. And we’re doing it the best way we know how: bringing everyone together over a 🍺. Our biggest giveaway ever will be unlocked when we reach the vaccination goal by 7/4/21. #LetsGrabABeer https://t.co/lA8L3K2oZR pic.twitter.com/67epocqTqY
— Anheuser-Busch (@AnheuserBusch) June 2, 2021