WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden rolled up his sleeves and won his COVID-19 reminder update Tuesday, as he suggested millions of others who have not yet been encouraged to do so during Halloween, if possible, so they can safely gather with a circle of family and friends this holiday season.
“Get vaccinated,” he said, noting that it’s free. There are not enough people who understand it. “
Biden also called on Congress to provide the billions of dollars management has asked for to buy more vaccines, tests and treatments. Some lawmakers have hesitated over the request for more than $20 billion in investment for the novel coronavirus.
Biden, who flanked through his COVID-19 response team, said the fight against the spread of the virus is global in nature and that “the investment we’re looking for is critical” to that effort.
More than 20 million people, totaling nearly 1 in five seniors, have gotten the updated COVID-19 booster, the White House said. in the United States.
Biden said more people want to get vaccinated as winter approaches and will spend more time indoors and could spread disease. He added that the vaccine can be administered freely within an 8km radius of where most people live.
He suggested that other people get vaccinated against the coronavirus at the same time they get a flu shot every year. He said a COVID-19 booster would be an annual event.
“For most Americans, a COVID vaccine every year will be all they need,” Biden said at the White House. “And if you get it, you’re protegido. al unnecessary risk.
“I call on all Americans . . . to all Americans to get vaccinated as soon as they can,” he said.
A member of the White House medical unit punched Biden in the left arm. He had to wait to be removed, according to federal fitness guidelines, because he became ill with COVID-19 during the summer.
Biden again asked businesses, schools and civic leaders for help, adding holding on-site vaccination clinics and giving workers time off to cheer themselves up. Most COVID-19 deaths are now preventable, he said.
Three respiratory viruses are circulating lately in the United States: influenza, COVID-19 and RSV, the respiratory syncytial virus, said Dr. Ashish Jha, White House COVID-19 response manager.
Jha said Tuesday that the combination of a flu shot and an updated COVID booster will help others avoid serious illness and stay out of the hospital as they prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving and other holidays with friends and family.
“We want everyone to take action and do their part, it’s literally about saving the lives of tens of thousands of Americans this fall and winter,” he said. “The smart news here is that, unlike past winters, we are in control. “
RSV also affects children, and there is no vaccine to treat it, corporations are racing to expand one, he said. He said most of those cases tend to be mild, that’s still a concern.
Meanwhile, 8 million doses of the antiviral treatment Paxlovid were distributed in pharmacies and 5. 5 million were administered. Jha said there will be “many” for fall and winter.
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