As states across the country
are in need of more coronavirus vaccines, the FDA has announced its approval of
a special syringe to allow an additional dose of the Pfizer vaccine to be
extracted from each vial.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also reported a new daily
record for coronavirus vaccines administered with new data showing a downward
trend in hospitalizations related to the virus nationwide.
The seven-day average for new coronavirus cases has reached its lowest point
since early December, showing possible signs of hope on the horizon.
While the FDA has offered approval for the special syringe to extract an extra
dose, the ability to get that doses is limited.
CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta says not every place has them.
States are still frustrated with the amount of supplies of the vaccine, and the
wait for those who get it.
There is also growing concern that new variants could cause new surges faster
than vaccines are being distributed.
US Surgeon General nominee Dr. Vivek Murthy hopes that vaccine shortages
can be avoided.
“The supply will increase over the coming months as they bring more and more
production online for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine,” Murthy says. “It is
possible that another vaccine may come into the mix.”