President Joe Biden is reassuring those who are vaccinated they do not need to be alarmed by the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
While delivering remarks Tuesday, Biden urged Americans to get vaccinated and boosted against the virus. He acknowledged those who have been vaccinated can still get Covid, but “it’s highly unlikely, very unlikely, that you’ll become seriously ill.”
He continued, “And we’re seeing COVID-19 cases among vaccinated and workplaces across America, including here at the White House, but if you’re vaccinated and boosted, you are highly protected. You know, be concerned about Omicron, but don’t be alarmed. But if you’re unvaccinated, you have some reason as to be alarmed.”
Watch his remarks below:
Biden: "If you are vaccinated and boosted, you are highly protected. You know, be concerned about Omicron, but don't be alarmed. If you are unvaccinated, you have some reason to be alarmed." pic.twitter.com/ac9bPOPsch
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 4, 2022
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the agency “expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.”
The CDC also reported that the current vaccines “are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant.”
Still, “Breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur.”
The CDC listed tools people can use to fight the variant, including vaccines, masks, and testing.
Additionally, Biden announced the U.S. would double its order of Pfizer’s antiviral pill to treat the virus.
“Production is in full swing. The United States has more pills than any other country in the world and our supply is going to ramp up over the coming months, as more of these pills are manufactured,” Biden said. “Today I’m directing my team to work with Pfizer to double our order from 10 million to 20 million treatment courses to be delivered in the months ahead.”
He noted the U.S. “may need even more. That’s the estimate we need right now.”
The U.S. reported more than one million COVID-19 cases on Monday.
