COVID Relief Bill Passes as Vaccination Efforts Continue to Roll Out

COVID Relief Bill and the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

Vaccination efforts to fight the pandemic got another shot in the arm. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is expected to roll out soon after the FDA nod, will speed up inoculations against COVID-19, but it might be a while before the efforts make a big difference.Read the summary, watch the video below and answer the discussion questions. Have students record what they found most significant in the summaries and ask them what they’d like to learn more about. For a transcript of the video, click here. 

• The new Johnson & Johnson vaccine will add up to 20 million doses by the end of March, expanding the number of doses available over the next month by up to 25%. At least 20% of the nation’s adults have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
• Still, the supply of available doses does not match demand. As states open up eligibility to younger and healthier individuals, there could be shortages in some areas for the next couple of months.
• A $1.9 trillion relief bill was pushed through the House this weekend and will now move on to the Senate. The bill will provide direct assistance through checks to millions of Americans, as well as unemployment assistance and numerous other benefits.
• Though vaccination rates continue to climb, some experts fear that states are too quickly easing COVID-19 safety guidelines and restrictions.
• As the U.S. marks the anniversary of the first COVID deaths in the country, some people want to make March 1 a day of COVID remembrance.

Discussion Questions

1. Who are the groups of people in the United States who have been vaccinated at high rates already?
2. What are some ways the Johnson and Johnson vaccine differs from the two other vaccines already on the market?
3. Where and When will the vaccine be distributed?
4. Why are some experts worried that states are opening up too quickly?
5. How do states decide who is eligible for vaccination?

Focus Questions

1. How should states decide who is eligible for a vaccine now that more are available (but not enough yet for everyone)?
2. What has the process for vaccine distribution been like in your state? How can you find out, if you’re not sure?

Media Literacy: What news do you think was most important from this summary? What important news are you aware of that was left out?

Additional Resources

• Want to help members of your community get registered for a vaccination? Use this full lesson or this guide to explore how to get vaccinated in your own community.

Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Extra.