- As public restrictions lift nationwide, experts worry that Southern states (eg Alabama, Mississippi) with low vaccination rates could spark a virus resurgence.
- Less than half of all adults in many Southern states have started vaccination.
- 13 states (mostly Northeast) have reached Biden’s 70% vaccination goal.
- The South’s low vaccination rates are attributed to strong resistance among Republicans and Black communities as well as scheduling constraints.
- Despite mobile vaccination campaigns and incentives (eg sporting event tickets), vaccination efforts across the South face an uphill battle.
