Biden Receives Second Booster Shot, Calls for Additional COVID-19 Funding
Summary from the AllSides News Team
President Joe Biden received a second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on camera on Wednesday after calling upon Congress to approve additional COVID-19 funds.
Biden said that without additional funding, his administration would not be able to ensure additional booster shots “are available, free, easily accessible for all Americans,” adding, “This isn't partisan, it's medicine.” Biden also warned that low funds threatened government supplies of monoclonal antibodies and other treatments. The White House previously asked for $22.5 billion in COVID-19 funds, but congressional Republicans insisted that the funds come from cuts to other programs, not deficit spending; Democrats attempted to pass $15 billion for pandemic aid in early March, but struck the proposal from an omnibus spending bill due to disagreements over the cut programs. Along with getting a booster shot, Biden also announced a new informational site: COVID.gov.
While coverage of Biden’s booster shot itself was mostly balanced, coverage of the COVID-19 funding debate often reflected partisan leanings. Some coverage in right-rated outlets said purported spending excesses, like vaccines for migrants in DHS custody, were the cause of low pandemic funding.
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Left
Biden receives 2nd booster, presses Congress on virus fundsPresident Joe Biden called on Congress to pass billions of dollars in additional funding to fight the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday, as he received a second booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine a day after federal regulators approved a fourth shot for those aged 50 and older.
Biden spoke as his administration rolled out COVID.gov, designed to be a one-stop website to help people in the United States access COVID-19 tests, vaccines and treatments, along with status updates on infection rates where they live. Biden pressed lawmakers to provide additional funding...
From the Center
Biden speaks about fight against Covid as more contagious omicron BA.2 gains groundPresident Joe Biden gave a speech Wednesday about the fight against Covid-19 in the U.S.
The president’s remarks come a day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended a fourth Covid vaccine shot of Pfizer or Moderna for people ages 50 or older. The CDC also recommended that certain younger people with compromised immune systems should receive a fifth of dose.
Biden received his fourth dose after his speech.
From the Right
Biden gets fourth COVID shot, launches gov website amid $22.5B pleaPresident Biden received his fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday and announced the launch of informational website COVID.gov — as he urges Congress to pass billions of dollars in fresh pandemic funds.
A White House doctor administered Biden’s shot after the president gives remarks in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at 1:30 p.m.
The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday approved a second vaccine “booster” shot for people age 50 and up, but warned that there may not be enough for the general public if the age threshold is lowered.
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