Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
'Most Patriotic Thing You Can Do' Is Get Vaccinated, Biden Says On July 4th
Politico: Biden Ties Battle Against Covid To American Traditions
President Joe Biden used his Fourth of July speech to declare the nation’s emergence from its pandemic nightmare a collective victory — and urged Americans to do their patriotic duty by getting vaccinated. Speaking on the White House lawn, Biden on Sunday night said, “Today we see the results of the unity of purpose.” (Cohen, 7/4)
ABC News: 'We've Lived Through Some Of Our Darkest Days': Biden Reflects On 4th Of July, COVID
Emerging from the White House to "Hail to the Chief," President Joe Biden addressed the largest event of his administration to declare: "All across this nation we can say America is coming back together." "This year, the Fourth of July is a day of special celebration. For we are emerging from the darkness of years. A year of pandemic and isolation. A year of pain, fear and heartbreaking loss. Just think back to where this nation was a year ago. Think back to where you were a year ago. And think about how far we've come," Biden said to applause from the crowd of 1,000 military families and essential workers. (Nagle, 7/4)
NBC News: White House Looking To Next Pandemic Challenge As July 4th Signals A Reopened Nation
President Joe Biden used the July 4th weekend to tout America’s “independence from Covid-19” even as he falls short of his vaccination goal with pockets of the country still largely unvaccinated and a new more contagious variant quickly spreading. It will take Biden another month to meet his goal, and the White House is already looking ahead, assessing the next challenge the pandemic will bring and recalibrating expectations. (Pettypiece, 7/4)
Also —
CIDRAP: 20 States Reach 70% COVID-19 Vaccination Goal
Twenty states and the District of Columbia have met President Joe Biden's Fourth of July goal of vaccinating 70% or more of adults with at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, according to tracking by the New York Times. Puerto Rico and Guam have also met the goal. California, Illinois, and New York have all met the goal. Vermont remains the national leader in vaccination. (Soucheray, 7/2)
CNN: Fewer Than Half Of States Have Reached The White House's July 4th Vaccine Goal As The Delta Variant Threatens The Nation's Progress
Twenty states have reached the Biden administration's goal to partially vaccinate 70% of American adults by the Fourth of July as the Delta variant spreads and people gather for holiday celebrations across the country. White House officials acknowledged last month that they would fall short of their goal, which was set in early May when the US was vaccinating people at a much faster pace than it is now. (Elamroussi, 7/4)
