American surgeon general Dr. Jerome Adams encouraged the public on Saturday to educate about Covid-19 vaccines.
“We all have more information about these vaccines at the time they are given to the public than we have had for any vaccine in history,” Adams said at a news conference hosted by the Ohio government, Mike DeWine.
Adams said he was publicly vaccinated to instill confidence in Covid-19 vaccines.
“My arm feels great. It’s a bit painful, but no more painful than when I got the flu shot. I had no side effects at all, ”said Adams, pointing out that it is normal for people to experience a low fever, headache or fatigue after receiving the vaccine.
Adams encouraged the public to seek information about the vaccines.
It’s okay to have questions. It’s okay to ask questions, ”he said. “What is not okay is that through misinformation or mistrust you make a decision that will be bad for your health, the health of your family or the health of your community.”
“This vaccine is almost 100% sure to prevent you or your loved one from developing serious illness,” added Adams. “It is how we are ending this pandemic.”
A big effort: The US is using every bit of authority and power it has to produce Covid-19 vaccines, Adams said.
“I can tell you, with confidence that we are part of the Coronavirus Task Force, that we are doing everything we can to produce these vaccines as quickly as possible,” Adams said at a news conference hosted by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.
Adams said the US is on track to have 20 million doses of vaccine by the end of December; 50 million at the end of January and 100 million at the end of February.
“That’s half the adult American population,” noted Adams.
He added that he is more concerned about confidence in vaccines than the vaccine supply.
“We have to go from vaccines to vaccinations,” Adams said.