My central message today was that equitable vaccination of America’s children and adults against preventable diseases is safe, smart, good for the economy – and critical in our fight against #COVID19.
To ensure the benefits of vaccines for all Americans, we MUST acknowledge and address obstacles to vaccination, and in particular, those encountered by racial and ethnic minority communities.
These obstacles—these opportunities— include:
▪️ Public education and rebuttal of misinformation
▪️ Addressing practical issues related to access
▪️ Increasing provider engagement and trust at the final decision point
Realizing these opportunities will not only save lives, prevent suffering, and make wise use of resources now, but will further serve millions of Americans when we get a safe and effective #COVID19 vaccine.
So, what can all of you do to help?
▪️ Get your #FluShot (before the end of Oct!)
▪️ Catch up on any missed immunizations. Visit vaccines.gov to learn more about when certain vaccines should be received.
And keep following the 3 W’s to prevent the spread of #COVID19.
▪️ Watch your distance
▪️ #WearAMask
▪️ Wash your hands
NEW: Today, I released a Surgeon General's Advisory on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation facing our country, the destructive impacts it has on our collective health, and the extraordinary healing power of our relationships. Surgeongeneral.gov/loneliness#Connect2Heal 1/8
At the height of the #COVID19 pandemic, we gained a greater appreciation for how crucial relationships are to our well-being. The pandemic led to greater loneliness for many, but there was widespread social disconnection even before #COVID19. 2/8
Loneliness and social disconnection are more common than we realize. In recent years, about one in two adults reported experiencing loneliness. It's also more widespread than many other health issues including smoking, diabetes, and obesity. 3/8
I'm grateful to @VP Kamala Harris for joining me today at @ChildrensNatl hospital to thank the staff for their heroic work and to announce my new Surgeon General’s Advisory on a growing threat to the nation’s health: health worker burnout. 1/7
Health workers nationwide have long grappled with systemic challenges that have driven burnout to record levels—from excessive workloads to physical/verbal abuse to poor access to mental health care. 2/7
.@VP Harris and I heard from health workers in a range of positions how the last 2+ years of the pandemic only exacerbated those challenges. 3/7
NEW: Today, I released a Surgeon General’s Advisory calling the nation to address a growing threat to our individual and collective health: health worker burnout. Health workers have long had our back—it’s time for us to have theirs. surgeongeneral.gov/burnout 1/6
Over the past 2+ years, health workers have been on the frontlines of the #COVID19 pandemic, where they not only saved lives, but in too many cases, sacrificed their own health and the health of their families as they served others. 2/6
The stakes are high. If not addressed, the health worker burnout crisis will make it harder for patients to get care when they need it, cause health costs to rise, hinder our ability to prepare for the next public health emergency, and worsen health disparities. 3/6
The recent court ruling has given travelers the option to choose whether or not to wear masks on flights, buses, and trains. Having been on a plane myself yesterday—and recognizing cases are on the rise in many states—here is why I will continue to wear a mask when I travel. 1/6
Even if you're low risk and aren’t concerned about #COVID19, you could transmit the virus to someone who isn’t so lucky—like the millions of Americans who can’t get vaxed (kids under 5), haven’t yet gotten vaxed, or have medical conditions that make them high risk. 2/6
People at higher risk depend on the rest of us to help break the chain of transmission and reduce spread. Our decisions affect others. 3/6
On April 5, 2022 @POTUS Biden called on @HHSGov to coordinate across the federal government to develop and issue the first-ever interagency national research action plan on long COVID. 1/4
This will advance progress in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and provision of services, support, and interventions for individuals experiencing long COVID and associated conditions. 2/4
In less than 4 months, @HHSGov will issue 2 special reports outlining services & supports across federal agencies to assist people experiencing long COVID, dealing with a #COVID19-related loss, or experiencing mental health & substance use conditions related to the pandemic. 3/4
Florida's recent law restricting discussion about gender identity in school has understandably raised serious concerns. The law concerns me too. Let me explain why: 1/4
Learning that people are different and that not all families look the same—these are important lessons that start early in life, including in school. They help create a society based on understanding and respect. They help children know they belong even if they are different. 2/4
I grew up in Florida and am a proud graduate of the public school system. As a kid who often felt I didn’t belong, it helped tremendously when teachers openly discussed our different backgrounds. This built understanding and reduced shame. 3/4