A prominent epidemiologist and member of President Biden
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During an interview with Michael Osterholm on “Fox News Sunday,” the host Chris Wallace
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“It’s not perfect, it’s not 100 percent [protection from COVID-19]”Osterholm said of the three COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the US.
“We have a problem right now from a public health standpoint that qualifies that message,” he continued, adding that Americans should still “avoid [travel] if not essential “, even after being vaccinated.
He went on to specify that these measures will probably not be in effect for the rest of the year, calling them temporary but necessary to mitigate a new wave of infections.
“This is short term, all we are trying to do is overcome this increase in cases,” Osterholm said.
“The future looks bright, especially this summer.”
Osterholm said during a separate appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that when people get vaccinated, “it’s like buying a fire retardant suit that works 95 percent of the time.”
“I think the message was consistent, although it may have confused the public.”
His comments come after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a new guide on Friday that fully vaccinated people can safely travel.
About a third of American adults have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine so far.
Health officials warned, however, that another wave of cases could be entering, as many places have relaxed restrictions on public life and businesses after a large increase in cases during the winter.
– Updated at 11:03 am