Imags of President Biden and former President Obama on NBC's "Roll up your sleeves" special to boost vaccination rates. Photo: NBC
President Biden, former President Obama and Michelle Obama are joining a slew of stars for an NBC special this weekend that aims to raise awareness of COVID-19 vaccines, dispel myths and boost inoculation rates.
What to expect: In Sunday's "Roll Up Your Sleeves" special, hosted by NFL quarterback Russell Wilson and actor-singer Ciara, Biden will urge Americans to "beat the pandemic, protect loved ones and continue the road to recovery," according to a statement from NBC.
- NBA greats Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal will team up with former President Obama in the special, which airs Sunday at 7p.m. ET.
- Former first lady Michelle Obama will be joined by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Faith Hill and Jennifer Lopez.
The big picture: The special comes as new polling shows Americans' confidence in the safety of Johnson & Johnson's coronavirus vaccine took a big dip this week after the pause in its use.
- That's despite the risk of blood clots following the shot being extremely low, "if it exists at all," Axios' Caitlin Owens and Marisa Fernandez note.
Of note: The hour-long special will feature actor Matthew McConaughey interviewing Biden's chief medical adviser, Anthony Fauci, about separating "fact from fiction," per NBC's statement.
Go deeper: Vaccines: What you should know