Nov. 22 (UPI) — Dr. Anthony Fauci has been the star of the public health world since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and on Tuesday he held his final press conference to cap a career that spans more than four decades.
The chief medical advisor to the President used the press briefing to urge the public to get their updated COVID-19 booster and annual flu shot. The press briefing with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre featured addresses from Fauci and COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha.
“If you look at the striking data, it overwhelmingly shows the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing severe illness and deaths,” Fauci said. “We know it’s safe. We know that it is effective. My message, and maybe the final message that I give you from this podium is that please for your own safety, for that of your family get your updated COVID-19 shot as soon as you’re eligible.”
Nearly 13 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been distributed worldwide, and more than 265 million Americans have received at least one dose. Fauci said people who are vaccinated and boosted are 14 times less likely to die from infection of the virus than people who are unvaccinated. The vaccinated are about three times less likely to test positive for COVID-19.
Fauci responded to some of the more common questions he hears about vaccines and boosters. For instance, many wonder why a booster is necessary. According to Fauci, the COVID-19 vaccine’s protection begins to weaken over time, unlike the vaccine for the measles which is measured in decades.
“That just happens to unfortunately not be the case when it comes to the coronavirus and particularly SARS-COV-2,” he said.
The measles remain a consistent strain, whereas COVID-19 has spawned several variants already.
Fauci was asked what he hopes his legacy will be.
“I would like people to remember what I’ve done everyday for all of those years; I gave it everything I had,” he said.
Dr. Jha said 12 public health organizations will take on a coordinated plan to push for COVID-19 and flu vaccinations over the next six weeks with an increased, targeted messaging campaign and funding towards health organizations. The particular target audience will be the elderly and most vulnerable people.
“They know the best way to save lives this holiday season is to ensure that all Americans, especially seniors, get their updated COVID vaccine and flu vaccine,” he said. “Today, we’re launching a six week sprint. Everything that people do now and in the next six weeks helps.”
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