The video in which Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter urge Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19

All living former presidents of the United States except Republican Donald Trump (2017-2021), joined forces to lead a campaign to educate the American people about the importance of getting vaccinated against the coronavirus.

In the campaign participated former Democratic leaders Barack Obama (2009-2017), Bill Clinton (1993-2001) and Jimmy Carter (1977-1981); and Republican George W. Bush (2001-2009), as well as former First Ladies Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Rosalynn Carter and Laura Bush.

In the nearly minute-long video, you can see former heads of state and former first ladies getting vaccinated as they share personal anecdotes and highlight why being immune to covid-19 is so important. .

“Right now, COVID-19 vaccines are available to millions of Americans. They will soon be accessible to all “Bush says at the start of the video, as the screen shows the faces of several American citizens.

He is followed by Obama, who says: “This vaccine is synonymous with hope. It will protect you and those you love from this dangerous and deadly disease. “

Clinton, meanwhile, says he wants to go back to work in person, while Obama admits he can’t wait to hug Michelle’s mom again and visit her on her birthday. Bush, meanwhile, expresses his enthusiasm for one day returning to the stadium for the Texas Rangers football team.

Carter, 96, does not appear in the video, but is heard saying: “I want to get the vaccine because I want this pandemic to end as soon as possible.”

The ad features images of former presidents and former first ladies receiving the vaccine and ends with a photo of Carter smiling and holding her vaccination record.

“We urge you to get vaccinated as soon as you can. So roll up your sleeve and do your part. This is our chance. Now your turn “, concludes the awareness message.

Trump and former First Lady Melania did not participate in the campaign, although both received the vaccine in January while still in the White House, which was not revealed until weeks after their departure from Washington.

The video was produced as part of the “It’s Up To You” initiative, recently launched by the NGO Ad Council and the COVID Collaborative, a coalition of health experts.

So far, 62.5 million people in the United States have received at least one dose of the vaccine, including 32.9 who are already fully vaccinated., according to data released Wednesday by the government’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The United States is the country in the world worst affected by the pandemic with more than 529,000 deaths and 29.1 million cases, according to the independent tally from Johns Hopkins University.

“We thank Presidents Obama, Bush, Clinton and Carter and the First Ladies who gathered at this historic moment to encourage Americans to get the most accurate information about vaccines so they can make the right decisions for them- themselves and their families. ”He said Lisa Sherman, President and CEO of Ad Council.

As the vaccination plan progresses across the United States after a slow start, officials are looking to step up efforts to raise awareness as much of the population remains skeptical.

According to an Ad Council survey conducted by Ipsos in February, About 40% of the American public remains undecided about the possibility of getting a COVID-19 vaccine, says The Carter Center.

Of this undecided population, only 56% say they are sure they have enough information to guide their vaccination decision, compared to 96% of those who are already engaged. Whether or not they have a vaccine, the majority of undecided people (73%) still want information to dispel their doubts, increasing the need for an urgent mass education initiative.

“In this pandemic, we need the help of all Americans so that all Americans can recover,” said the former Republican governor. Dirk Kempthorne and the former democratic governor Deval patrick, Co-Chairs of the COVID Collaboration. “These former presidents and first ladies have come together to show that each of us, regardless of political party, has an interest in beating this virus.”

US President Joe Biden confirmed on Wednesday that his government will “share” the covid-19 vaccines it has purchased with the rest of the world if it has any surpluses, which seems likely judging by contracts negotiated by Washington.

“If we have any surplus, we will share it with the rest of the worldBiden said at a White House ceremony to celebrate the deal that pharmaceutical company Merck will help manufacture the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. “We’re going to start and make sure the Americans are taken care of first, but then we’re going to try to help the rest of the world.“He added.

With information from EFE and the Carter Center

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