Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden on the American Rescue Plan at Alfred E. Beach High School

Savannah, Georgia

It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come since this point last year.

Do you remember how quiet the streets were then?

Remember the empty grocery aisles?

And just how uncertain and lonely so many of us felt?

Today, we’re finally getting back those things we lost: hugging the people we love, catching up with friends face to face, smiling at strangers.

But as far as we’ve come, we’re not done yet.

Right now, only 44% of Georgia residents have had at least one shot. And that’s just not enough. Which is why we came to Savannah today.

So, to everyone who is listening or watching at home, I’m here to ask you to make the choice to get vaccinated.

Because it’s safe.

The vaccines have been rigorously tested and millions of Americans have already received their shots.

Because it’s effective.

Studies show that vaccines are the best way to protect against death or hospitalization from COVID-19.

And, because it’s free.

I get it—maybe with work and family, you don’t think you have time to go to a clinic.

But most places don’t require appointments—you can just walk up and get your shot.

And no matter where you live, there is a vaccination site close by. Just go to “Vaccines-dot-gov” to find one.

If you still have questions—that’s OK!

Talk to your doctor.

This is your choice—so get the information you need from someone you trust.

And, they don’t hurt. I promise, I barely felt mine. And I hate needles!

Maybe you think that whether or not one person gets vaccinated doesn’t matter.

It does.

The risk of COVID is still out there.

Even one hospitalization—one life lost—is too many.

Senator Warnock asked me to come here because your health and your life matter to him. And I came here because you matter to the President and to me.

When you choose to get vaccinated, you’re protecting yourself and this entire community.

You make it safer for your kids, your family members, your church friends.

Person by person, we can stop this virus together—but only if we all do our part.

That’s what we do, as Georgians, as Americans.

It’s who we are: people who take care of our neighbors and friends. People who know that, together, there is no challenge we can’t face—no obstacle we can’t soar above.

So, do your part. Choose to get your shot.

For yourself, for your family, for your city.

And then, we’ll all be able to celebrate summer the way it should be: safe and together.

God bless you, Savannah, and go get vaccinated!

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