Biden gets COVID-19 booster shot on live television
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President Biden received a Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine booster shot on live television on Monday, while also urging Americans to get vaccinated.
Driving the news: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week recommended Pfizer booster shots for millions of people, including those 65 years and older and individuals at high-risk of severe COVID-19.
- In an unusual move, CDC director Rochelle Walensky diverged from an advisory panel and also recommended the boosters for workers in high-risk jobs.
What he's saying: "If you're fully vaccinated and you're highly protected now from severe illness, even if you get COVID-19. You're safe and we're going to do everything that we can to keep it that way with the boosters," Biden said.
- "But let me be clear: Boosters are important, but the most important thing we need to do is get more people vaccinated," he added.
Of note: First lady Jill Biden did not get her booster shot along with the president. Biden said she was teaching, but will be receiving hers later.
Flashback: Biden received his first vaccine dose on camera in December of last year.
The big picture: White House Covid-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients said during a press briefing last week that the U.S. had "secured enough booster supply for every American," adding that they will be free for everyone regardless of immigration or health insurance status.
Between the lines: The president has pushed for booster shots in the U.S. despite criticism from the World Health Organization and vaccine experts who say universal boosters are not necessary at this time and supply should instead be sent to countries facing vaccine shortages.
