Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2022

July 19, 2022

Today is another step forward in our Nation's fight against the virus. Following an independent scientific review by the Food and Drug Administration last week and today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Novavax's protein-based COVIDâ19 vaccine for adults has been authorized. We now have four safe and effective COVIDâ19 vaccines available to protect Americans against serious illness, hospitalizations, and death.

When I took office, my administration took decisive action to fix a broken COVIDâ19 response and stand up a historic vaccination program that has gotten over 260 million Americans at least their first shot and nearly 110 million people a booster shot. This unprecedented effort has already saved over 2 million American lives, but more people need to roll up their sleeves, particularly as we confront BA.5.

The science and data are clearâvaccines continue to protect people from serious illness, hospitalizations, and deathâand with BA.5 increasing infections, it is essential that people get themselves and their kids vaccinated and stay up to date on their COVIDâ19 vaccinations. I encourage everyone to get their booster if they are eligible. If you're age 50 or older, or a moderately or severely immunocompromised individual, and haven't gotten a vaccine shot this year, you should get one right away. It is free, easy, and could save your life.

Over the past 18 months, my administration has left no stone unturned to ensure Americans have easy and convenient access to lifesaving tools, including vaccines, treatments, tests and more. These tools work even in the face of BA.5; they protect people, keep people out of the hospital, and save lives. While we know COVIDâ19 isn't over, we can manage this moment and continue to minimize COVIDâ19's impact on our daily lives.

Categories: Statements by the President : Novavax COVIDâ19 vaccine for adults, Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authorization.

Subjects: Diseases : Coronavirus, domestic prevention efforts; Health and Human Services, Department of : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Health and Human Services, Department of : Food and Drug Administration; Health and medical care : Research and development.

DCPD Number: DCPD202200642.

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