NEW YORK: U.S. President Joe Biden took a cautious victory lap Friday in his quest to bring the coronavirus pandemic under control, announcing that 300 million vaccine shots have been administered in the United States, in the 150 days since he took office.

Biden appreciated scientists, companies, the American people and his whole-of-government effort on the landmark. The president noted that 65 percent of adults have received at least one shot, setting the stage for most Americans to have a relatively normal summer as businesses reopen and employers hire.

"We're heading into a very different summer compared to last year," Biden said. "A bright summer. Prayerfully, a summer of joy." The White House announced plans to host more than a 1,000 guests - mainly frontline workers and their families - on the South Lawn for a cookout on July Fourth. This is tipped to be one of the biggest in-person events of Biden's presidency so far.

Biden was aiming to have 70 percent of Americans at least partially vaccinated against Covid-19 by July 4. With the pace of vaccinations now dropping sharply off the highs in April, the current number stands at 65 percent. Among adults alone, 55 percent are fully vaccinated. Across America's 50 states, 26 states and Washington D.C. have fully vaccinated 50 percent or more of adults, according to White House data.

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