FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Media Relations
Statement from APHA Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin, MD
“Today, we find ourselves welcoming an achievement that seemed a lifetime away in the world we were living in just a few months ago. With 50% of American adults having now received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and everyone 16 years of age and older eligible, there is much reason to feel hopeful.
Our gratitude in reaching this point begins with the scientists, researchers and public health practitioners who, of course, made these safe and effective vaccines possible. We must also acknowledge the unwavering dedication of the front-line workers who faithfully carry out its distribution, day in and day out.
We continue to extend our sincere appreciation toward the Biden administration as well, for their aggressive and strategic approach to expediting the widespread delivery of vaccines.
To keep heading in the right direction, however, we must not let our guard down. We are once again seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. We know that people of color are still being left behind in vaccination efforts, along with other vulnerable populations. The majority of Americans are not yet fully inoculated, and we are still a long way from herd immunity. This is especially the case as many people in rural areas now grapple with rampant misinformation resulting in ongoing vaccine hesitancy.
We must continue to work together to ensure everyone is able to be vaccinated.
We’re within the home stretch of better times, but I urge all Americans to keep wearing a mask, practice physical distancing, wash your hands, and get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
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The American Public Health Association champions the health of all people and all communities. We are the only organization that combines a nearly 150-year perspective, a broad-based member community and the ability to influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.