Joe Biden says the United States is “weeks ahead of schedule” and will be the first country in the world to receive 100 million vaccinations.
The president made his self-assured claim at a federal vaccination site in Texas shortly after experts recommended Johnson & Johnson’s single vaccine for FDA approval.
Mr Biden told the crowd that the US was now on track to achieve its goal of 100 million vaccinations in its first 100 days in the White House.
“The more people are vaccinated, the faster we will beat this pandemic,” he said.
“America is going to be the first in the world to do that, and I’m proud to be halfway there, 50 million shots.
“We are weeks ahead of schedule, even with delays due to the winter storm, we are heading in the right direction.”
And he. added: “In five weeks, the United States has vaccinated more people than anyone else in the world, that’s great progress.”
But he warned Americans not to become complacent and to keep social distance, wash their hands and wear masks.
“It’s not a political statement. It’s a patriotic thing to do, ” he said of wearing the mask.
And he urged Americans to be vaccinated while praising their security.
“If there is one message that all of this has to go through, it is that vaccines are safe,” he said.
“I promise you they are safe and effective.”
Mr. Biden said he spent the day with Republican politicians, with whom he disagreed with the policy.
‘But there are many things we can work on together. And one of them is presented here today, the attempt to speed up vaccinations, “said Mr. Bid added.
‘We do not give shots to Democrats or Republicans; I will say it again, we are giving Americans a chance. ‘
Mr. Biden and first lady, dr. Jill Biden, spent the day in Texas meeting emergency workers and being briefed on the state of recovery from the deadly winter storm that left millions of people without power, heat and water.
The president also visited volunteers and met at the Houston Food Bank and the FEMA vaccination facility at the city’s NRG Stadium.
‘Jill and I wanted to visit Texas today to let people know that our prayers are with you in the aftermath of this winter storm, and secondly to let them know that we will be true partners to help you recover and rebuild. of these storms, this pandemic and the economic crisis. We are in this for the long term, ”said Mr Biden.
“We are not here as Democrats or Republicans, we are here today as Americans. We are responsible for all the people we serve.
“When a crisis hits our states, like in Texas, it’s not a Republican or a Democrat who hurts, but an American who hurts.
“And it’s our job to help everyone in need, to look out for each other and leave no one behind.”