The United States recorded more than half a million new COVID-19 vaccine shots on Friday, the highest number since July 1, White House deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.
Why it matters: The Delta variant is continuing to spread across the United States and it now comprises over 80% of the coronavirus cases in the country, Jean-Pierre said. A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that "vaccination is the most important strategy to prevent severe illness and death."
- Coronavirus cases have been increasing since around late June, according to CDC data.
State of play: Jean-Pierre also reported that the number of people getting vaccination shots is up by 30%.
What they're saying: "This is an encouraging sign, but we need everyone across the country to have a conversation with someone they know who is unvaccinated about getting the shot," Jean-Pierre said during the press briefing.
- "This is how we will stop the spread of the Delta variant," she added.
Of note: Jean-Pierre clarified that "a national vaccine requirement is not under consideration" by the Biden administration.
Go deeper: CDC: Delta variant may cause mild COVID among fully vaccinated people
