U.S. President Joe Biden, 78 years old, received the third dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, in an event broadcast live by television networks to encourage eligible Americans to get the booster shot. U.S. health authorities have recommended a booster dose for three categories of people: those aged 65 and older, those aged 18 to 64 with underlying health conditions such as diabetes or obesity, and those at higher risk of contracting the virus due to their work or living conditions.
Before receiving the shot at the White House, Biden jokingly said, "I know I don't look it, but I'm over 65." Last week, Biden stated that nearly 60 million people in the United States are eligible for a Pfizer booster shot. Biden received his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine in December last year and the second in January while still President-elect. He noted that people who received doses of the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines could get booster doses as soon as studies are completed, anticipating that all Americans would be eligible "soon."
On Monday, Biden stated that "boosters are important, but what's more important is that we can vaccinate more people." He added that he would travel to Chicago on Wednesday "to explain why more businesses should mandate vaccination." Vaccine mandates are not federally imposed in the United States, although this tool is considered essential for increasing the number of vaccinated individuals in the country. The President mentioned that First Lady Jill Biden would also receive her third vaccine dose.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated on Friday that data regarding booster doses of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson would be evaluated "in the coming weeks." Biden intended to launch a massive campaign for booster doses of Pfizer and Moderna this week for all Americans. However, U.S. health authorities suspended this step, leading to divided opinions among medical experts and causing confusion regarding booster dose policies.
