COVID-19, pneumonia, and influenza deaths reported in the U.S. February 22, 2021

Over 3.7 million people in the United States died from all causes between the beginning of January 2020 and February 22, 2021. Around 467,585 of those deaths were with confirmed or presumed COVID-19. There were also 9,052 fatalities involving influenza, which had pneumonia or COVID-19 also listed as a cause of death.

Vaccine rollout in the United States

Finding a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine has been an urgent health priority since the very start of the pandemic. In the United States, the first two vaccines were authorized and recommended for use in December 2020. One has been developed by Massachusetts-based biotech company Moderna, and the number of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines administered in the U.S. was around 31.5 million as of February 23, 2021. Moderna has also said that its vaccine is effective against the coronavirus variants first identified in the UK and South Africa.

Despite progress, the virus remains a danger

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is a new strain that had not previously been identified in humans. The virus is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets that spread during close contact, and some evidence suggests that airborne transmission, particularly in poorly ventilated areas, is possible. Rates of COVID-19 vaccination worldwide are picking up, but it is still vitally important to adhere to the basic guidelines: keep hands clean, maintain distance, and wear a mask.