Over one million Americans have received the COVID-19 vaccine, according to a media statement from CDC Director Robert R. Redfield.

Redfield stated: “With cases of COVID-19 continuing to surge nationwide, this achievement comes at a critical time and will help to protect those on the frontlines — our healthcare providers treating COVID-19 patients — as well as our most vulnerable: elder individuals living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.” 

In the coming weeks, the government plans to distribute 20 million first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccine. On Monday, vaccination in nursing homes began in 12 states and will continue with 13 more states next week. However, shots aren’t expected to be widely available to the general public until later in 2021.