The presidents insist that schools and businesses require vaccinations, especially since the Delta variant fuels an increased number of hospitalizations. This is despite stiff resistance from some Republican governors to mandate masks and vaccines.
Health experts are also concerned about the possibility of breakthrough infections in people who have been immunized. Officials from the administration say that although it is rare, this can be prevented by increasing vaccinations. Americans can also get shots from Moderna or Johnson & Johnson with emergency authorization, in addition to the Pfizer vaccine.
Biden has ordered routine vaccinations and routine testing for millions federal works. Monday's Pentagon statement stated that they would be required for active military.
According to the president, more than 170,000,000 Americans are fully vaccinated. 30 million additional people have received at least one dose of the two-dose regimen. Six million shots were given in the seven-day period that ended on Monday, the highest number since mid-June.
He said, "If you were one of the many millions of Americans who claimed they would not get the shot until it had been approved by FDA: It has now occurred." "The moment you have been waiting for has arrived."
It is not clear whether full approval will convince skeptical Americans. According to Kaiser Family Foundation, around 30% of those who remained skeptical said that they would prefer to receive a fully approved shot over an emergency approved dose. However, many people didn't realize that the Pfizer shot was not yet approved.
Biden also thanked Janet Woodcock, FDA Acting Commissioner, for her leadership of the agency throughout the approval process. Woodcock has been FDA's drug division chief for many years and has been a permanent commissioner. Biden has not yet announced a nominee.
