Anthony Stephen Fauci, Andrew M. Slavitt, and Rochelle Paula Walensky

“ We all have a role in turning the tide and to trend our cases down. One of the most important things we can do to get back to doing the things we love is to get vaccinated.
I am so thrilled that, today, all people age 16 and up are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine — a tremendous step forward in our efforts to end this pandemic. Data from CDC and other experts continue to show that the COVID-19 vaccines we are using are effective and can prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death. ”

“ And for those of you who have people in your lives who can’t get to a vaccine site, we are helping community-based organizations connect vulnerable Americans with shots. And to get resources to healthcare providers serving at-risk populations and to promote equitable distribution of vaccines, today, HHS is making $150 million available to community-based healthcare providers to strengthen their efforts to get shots in arms and care for patients with COVID-19. ”

“ As you’ve heard so many times, right now, all adults are eligible for COVID-19 vaccine that can get vaccinated. And, by “adults,” I really do mean a little bit below that. People 16 years of age or older now can get vaccinated wherever vaccines are available.
For those who are hesitant about vaccines, we have a great deal of confidence in the ability of the American people to do their own homework, to make up their minds based on the data. ”

“ As all adults now become eligible to be get — to get vaccinated, I want to again point out two really encouraging pieces of data. First, we recently released a study on how vaccines are working in the real world. Among nearly 4,000 healthcare personnel, first responders, and essential workers who received the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, the risk of any infection, asymptomatic and symptomatic, was reduced by 90 percent after receiving the two recommended doses of the vaccine. ”

“ Join the more than 130 million Americans who have already gotten at least one shot — half of one — half of all adults. That’s a lot of progress, but as we said from the start, winning this war against COVID-19 takes all of us doing our part. ”

“ We got to work, around the clock, deploying the whole-of-government approach — from the FEMA personnel who are getting shots in arms in communities across the country, to the men and women in the armed forces who are overseeing the shipment and delivery of the vaccines, to the scientists and clinicians at FDA, CDC, and NIH who have ensured the safety of these vaccines.
As a result, our vaccination program is now humming and it’s even accelerating. Over 80 percent of seniors have had at least their first shot, up from 8 percent. ”

“ If you remember what I have said on multiple press conferences, that every time and every day you get more and more people vaccinated, sooner or later — hopefully sooner — that level of infection will get lower and lower. ”

“ The more people get vaccinated, the fewer infections there will be, which means fewer variants will emerge and fewer breakthrough infections will occur and the quicker we can get back to doing the things we love. ”

“ Andy, it was about the 100 million — day mask call, and if there’s any plans to go from there. ACTING ADMINISTRATOR SLAVITT: Oh, the mask call. Well, let’s get to the 100 days. You know, I think — you know — you know one thing about President Biden: He follows the science, he listens to his scientists, and we’ve got 12 more days to go until we get there.So please mask up, everybody, because it does save lives. ”