Thread by @nytopinion

Will we struggle to reach herd immunity?

“Logistical hurdles and missteps could drive slower vaccination campaigns. But states may also be falling behind because of high levels of vaccine hesitancy,” writes @Nat_Lash. nyti.ms/2P9DisU

We can look at the vaccine rollouts in Idaho, Florida and other states to see who has been vaccinated, how quickly and why.

They show why we are headed for pockets of herd immunity (oases) and swaths with low vaccination rates (deserts). nyti.ms/2P9DisU

In Florida, wealthier counties achieving much higher vaccination rates than lower-income counties.

Almost all seniors in wealthy St. Johns have been vaccinated. But in nearby Putnam, one of the state’s poorest counties, only half are. nyti.ms/2P9DisU

In Idaho, many parts of the state have settled at distressingly low vaccination rates. State officials have had to expand eligibility at an accelerated pace because of low uptake. nyti.ms/2P9DisU

Nationally, many conservatives — men in particular — have said in multiple polls that they do not wish to be vaccinated. nyti.ms/2P9DisU

In certain areas, data shows that vaccine uptake is not reaching herd immunity levels, notes @Nat_Lash. 

If that trend continues, we can expect to see more vaccine deserts and oases over the coming months. nyti.ms/2P9DisU