Biden Announces Plan to Boost Vaccinations

Studies show that the COVID-19 Delta variant is proving to be more transmittable than the original COVID-19 strain. In response, the White House has announced efforts to increase vaccinations. Accordingly, in a July 29 press release, the Biden Administration revealed ways to increase the number of vaccinated individuals. Previously, in July 2021, President Joseph Biden signed an Executive Order targeting employer use of non-compete agreements.

Overview of Efforts to Increase Vaccinations

Specifically, the White House press release lists five key ways to increase the number of vaccinated individuals.  As a result of previous efforts, the White House touts that 164 million Americans have become fully vaccinated. In essence, that includes 80 percent of seniors and more than 60 percent of adults. However, although those numbers are promising, President Biden believes we need to do more to keep ourselves and others safe.

Contents of the Press Release

• Firstly, federal agencies need to strengthen safety protocols for federal employees and contractors. In short, every federal government employee and onsite contractor has to attest to their vaccination status before accessing federal buildings. Consequently, anyone who does not attest to "fully vaccinated" status will face requirements to wear a mask on the job. Unattested individuals would also need to social distance and regularly test for COVID-19 infection.
• Secondly, make COVID-19 vaccinations a military requirement. In order to keep military members healthy, the Department of Defense will add COVID-19 vaccination to the required vaccination list. Once in place, this new rule will especially protect those service people traveling and stationed overseas.
• Thirdly, expanding paid leave to get more families vaccinated.  In response to the press release, President Biden further announced that small- and medium-sized businesses would receive reimbursements for offering employees paid leave to get family members vaccinated.
• Fourthly, calling on states and local governments to offer $100 for vaccinations. According to President Biden, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) provided states and localities resources to offer incentives to increase vaccinations. Thus, he believes that offering $100 to every person who achieves full vaccination status can help raise overall vaccination numbers.
• Lastly, vaccinations need to increase as children return to school. Finally, President Biden is asking school districts to host at least one pop-up vaccination clinic over the coming weeks. In addition, the Biden Administration is directing pharmacies in the federal pharmacy program to prioritize clinics at schools and colleges. These efforts to increase vaccinations are, according to the Administration, the best way to prevent COVID outbreaks before they happen.