US - South

In 11 U.S. states, the rate of vaccination in those over 65 lags the national level

There are 11 states in the United States where at least 20 percent of older adults still haven’t received a Covid shot, potentially putting the recovery there at risk.

People 65 and older were given top priority for vaccinations because they are far more vulnerable to serious illness and death from the coronavirus than younger people are. Those 65 and older have the highest rate of vaccination among all age groups, with 87 percent having received at least one dose, compared with 60 percent for people ages 18 to 64, and 31 percent for those 12 to 17.

But in 11 states, seniors who have yet to get a dose of the vaccine pose a risk to their states’ recovery as most places remove restrictions aimed at limiting new outbreaks.

CDC lowers COVID-19 risk alert for cruise travelers The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lowered its risk level for cruise travel during the pandemic from a level 4 'Very High' to level 3 'High' for unvaccinated passengers after more than a year as upcoming sailings resume. Jeanette Settembre Fox News

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has slightly eased risk level guidance for cruise ship passengers. 

Covid Live Updates: Vaccine Lag in U.S. South May Lead to Summer Wave In 15 states, including Arkansas, the Carolinas, Georgia and Louisiana, about half of adults or fewer have received a vaccine dose. The New York Times

Experts are concerned that states across the South, where vaccination rates are lagging, could face a surge in coronavirus cases over the summer.