COVID-19 Federal Responses: Monday, August 2, 2021

Vaccination rates are increasing across the country in response to the growing prevalence of the delta variant. As new information comes out about the delta variant, CDC data shows that severe breakthrough infections are incredibly rare.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will prioritize review of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for full approval.
The FDA approved Eli Lilly’s baricitinib COVID-19 treatment for use without being used in conjunction with Gilead’s remdesivir treatment.
The CDC updates its website and a report on Laws and Regulations.

White House and Federal Agencies

The Department of Defense considered making the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for the military but is not issuing such a requirement at this time.

Vaccination rates are increasing across the country in response to the growing prevalence of the delta variant. More than 70% of eligible adults have now received at least a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
As new information comes out about the delta variant, CDC data shows that severe breakthrough infections are rare.
- 0.004% of breakthrough cases for vaccinated people resulted in a hospitalization.
- Among the states that report data on breakthrough cases, there was a consistent breakthrough case rate of around 1% of total cases.
- Vaccinated people are still less likely to get COVID-19 than unvaccinated people. However, new data shows that vaccinated people who become infected can spread the disease at similar rates as unvaccinated people, prompting new regional mask mandates.
The National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci does not anticipate new lockdowns as a response to the delta variant. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Francis Collins echoed that sentiment.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will prioritize review of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for full approval.
The FDA approved Eli Lilly’s baricitinib COVID-19 treatment for use without being used in conjunction with Gilead’s remdesivir treatment.