70 percent of Californians over 12 have received one shot of coronavirus vaccine

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced Tuesday that more than 70 percent of residents in the state over the age of 12 are at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Over 70% of Californians 12 and older have now received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine,” Newsom tweeted.

Over 70% of Californians 12 and older have now received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 22, 2021

According to the most recent data from the California state government’s COVID-19 vaccine dashboard, updated Monday, 57 percent of the state’s total population is fully vaccinated. Only those ages 12 and older are currently allowed to receive vaccines.

California ranks 13th among states for the total population that has received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 16th among states for the total population that is fully vaccinated, according to data compiled by The Washington Post.

California was among several states last month to hit President Biden’s goal of having 70 percent of the population receive at least one vaccine dose before July 4. Newsom announced on May 31 that 70 percent of the state’s adult population had received at least one vaccine dose. 

Most health experts estimate that to reach herd immunity at least 70 percent of the population must be vaccinated.

Last week, New York announced that it had reached its goal of vaccinating 70 percent of its adult population, with COVID-19 restrictions being lifted in response to the news.

Despite these successes on the state level, the White House acknowledged on Tuesday that the country will likely miss its vaccination goal of immunizing 70 percent of the adult population by Independence Day.

White House coronavirus response coordinator Jeff Zients said during a coronavirus briefing that the country is currently on track to having 70 percent of adults aged 27 and older with one vaccine dose, but it would likely take “a few extra weeks” for all adults aged 18 and up to reach the same percentage.

“This is amazing progress and has our country returning to normal much sooner than predicted,” Zients said. “The virus is in retreat in communities across the country. We are entering a summer of joy, a summer of freedom. This is cause for celebration and that’s exactly what Americans will be able to do on July 4: celebrate independence from the virus.”