Biden to appeal for vaccinations after US missed July 4 target

President Joe Biden plans to tell the nation in a July 4th speech that the fight against Covid-19 is far from over and encourage all Americans to get vaccinated, according to a White House official.

Biden will celebrate the progress the U.S. has made in its pandemic response, including a 90% drop in cases and deaths since January, and reflect on the 600,000 lives lost to the virus, the official said in a preview of Biden’s remarks at a White House party later Sunday. The White House invited hundreds of essential workers, military families and administration staff members to view the Independence Day fireworks on the South Lawn as Biden touts a government vaccination drive that has helped get at least one dose to 67% of adults in the U.S.