What is the 'National Month of Action' proposed by Biden?
President Biden called on every American to commit to five actions in June to help meet his vaccination goal by Independence Day and visit the White House.
The White House is pulling out all the stops to free the US from the covid-19 virus and reach President Biden’s stated goal of getting 70 percent of adult Americans vaccinated with at least one shot. The current vaccination rate in the US stands just shy of 63% of adults 18 and over having received a minimum of one shot.
The President announced on Wednesday a month-long effort to encourage more people to go out and get the vaccine that haven’t already, so that the nation can “go into the summer freer and safer” and to “celebrate a truly historic Independence Day.” Biden laid out how the administration and private business will be working to help incentivize and make it easier to get the vaccine for those that are reluctant to get the their jab or are having difficulty doing so, while at the same time pointing out the dangers of not getting vaccinated.
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Getting vaccinated is not a partisan issue
The President applauded the actions of the millions of Americans that have already gone out to get their shot and those that have helped. “In just four months, thanks to the American people, we have made incredible progress getting people vaccinated quickly, efficiently, and equitably. Nearly 170 million Americans of every party, every background, every walk of life have stepped up, rolled up their sleeves, and gotten the shot,” Biden said.
The President insisted that “getting the vaccine is not a partisan act.” Pointing out that development, approval and rollout of the vaccine was done under both Republican and Democratic administrations. “And I don’t want to see the country that is already too divided become divided in a new way — between places where people live free from fear of COVID and places where, when the fall arrives, death and severe illnesses return,” the President added.
Covid-19 affects everybody
Biden’s message was also directed at younger Americans who think the virus doesn’t affect them saying “This virus, even a mild case, can be with you for months. It will impact on your social life. It could have long-term implications for your health that we don’t even know about yet or fully understand yet.”
For those who are hesitant about the vaccine the President told them “If you’re thinking that the side effects from the shot are worse than the COVID, or that you can’t just take a chance, you are just dead wrong.” He reminded them “The vaccine is free, it’s safe, and it’s effective. All over the world, people are desperate to get a shot that every American can get at their neighborhood drug store at no cost, with no wait.”
Incentives to get vaccinated
President Biden said that his administration would be stepping up efforts to encourage people to get vaccinated by making it easier, increasing outreach and public education, working with employers and through “incentives and fun rewards.”
At the same time, he called on all Americans to help encourage and help those in their community to get vaccinated because “it’s going to take everyone — everyone — to get to the 70 percent mark so we can declare our independence from COVID-19 and free ourselves from the grip it has held over us — our lives for the better part of a year.” Those who would like to learn more or sign up to volunteer can visit WeCanDoThis.HHS.gov and "you might even be invited to visit us at the White House in July to celebrate independence together," Biden said
Biden announced that starting next week there will be extended hours at vaccination sites throughout June for those who are too busy with work or school to get vaccinated during regular hours. Participating pharmacies will also be open on Fridays all night during June.
Daycare centers across the country will be providing free drop-in childcare while the parents are getting vaccinated. Starting immediately KinderCare, Learning Care Group, the Bright Horizons, alongside with hundreds of YMCA locations will be participating.
The Biden administration will be spreading the message to boost vaccination numbers
The Vice President Kamala Harris will be visiting areas in the South and Midwest that have some of the lowest vaccination rates. The First Lady and the Second Gentleman along with Cabinet Secretaries will join the Vice President at different stops during her national tour.
Thousands of volunteers will be going door to door as part of a National Canvassing Weekend to encourage people in their communities to get their shot. As well, mayors of cities across the nation will be competing to see which city can increase its vaccination rate the most by 4 July in the City Vaccination Challenge.
Free beverages from Anheuser-Busch when Biden’s goal is met
Anheuser-Busch announced on Wednesday that it “will buy America's next round” of A-B beverage for those 21 and older when the US reaches President Biden’s 4 July goal to have 70 percent of US adults receive at least one dose of the vaccine. “That’s right, get a shot and have a beer. Free beer for everyone 21 years or over to celebrate the independence from the virus,” Biden said.
“We pride ourselves on stepping up both in times of need and in times of great celebration, and the past year has been no different. As we look ahead to brighter days with renewed optimism, we are proud to work alongside the White House to make a meaningful impact for our country, our communities and our consumers,” said Michel Doukeris, CEO, Anheuser-Busch.