Biden talks about COVID-19 vaccine campaign

WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden delivered remarks on Wednesday afternoon about the status of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the United States.

Biden said anyone who wants the COVID-19 vaccine can now use a federal website or text a Zip Code to 438829 to find out where it is offered. From May 24 to July 4, Uber and Lyft will help people get free rides to and from vaccination sites in the U.S., Biden said.

“If it’s available, if it’s nearby, if it’s convenient, people are getting vaccinated,” Biden said.

With the new access for teenagers to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, Biden encouraged parents to allow their kids to get vaccinated, as his administration partners with schools, pediatricians, and community organizations to increase access.

“The vaccine for kids between the ages 12 and 15 are safe effective, easy, fast, and free,” Biden said. “My hope is that parents will take advantage of the vaccine and get their kids vaccinated. Let’s remember that millions of 16 and 17 year olds have also been safely vaccinated.”

Biden said that as more and more people get vaccinated the number of people who need hospitalization and intensive care will decrease. Biden also asked the public to continue to protect themselves and others during the coronavirus pandemic.

Watch the news conference

Related stories

• US advisers endorse Pfizer COVID shot for kids 12 and up
• CNN’s Sanjay Gupta worries about a muddled pandemic message
• Taming the virus: US deaths hit lowest level in 10 months
• COVID-19 pet boom has veterinarians backlogged, burned out

Related social media