This post has been updated with new links to the CDC for COVID-19 information. Many old links have been deleted.
updated April 21, 2025
This information is current as of the date of original publication or update but may have changed by the time you read this. Do not use this information for diagnosis or treatment purposes. Before making health decisions, discuss with a qualified healthcare professional.
This link at the CDC website was last edited September 10, 2024
Three days after my first vaccination the soreness in my arm was almost gone, and I had no redness or swelling. After the second shot, minimal soreness. No other side effects to report. I feel fortunate. I am now fully vaccinated.
The post emphasizes the importance of responsible social media usage by highlighting various resources and strategies to combat misinformation. It discusses how emotional responses can be manipulated by disinformation and urges readers to critically evaluate content before sharing. We all have a responsibility to research claims and ensure truthfulness online.
Final comments from the CDC
CDC will continue to evaluate and update public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people as more information, including on new variants, becomes available.
CDC website
Exploring the HEART of health
I’d love for you to follow this blog and follow me on social media.
I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.
Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.
I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.
In his 2023 State of the Union Address, President Joe Biden highlighted significant progress in fighting the pandemic. His approach emphasized vaccine accessibility, minimizing spread, safely reopening business and schools, and srotecting the most vulnerable.
update June 30, 2026
On March 11,2021 President Biden addressed the country about the current progress of ending the COVID-19 pandemic. He said
I carry a card in my pocket with the number of Americans who have died from COVID to date. It’s on the back of my schedule. As of now, the total deaths in America: 527,726.
He announced the country will have enough vaccine for every adult to be vaccinated by the end of May 2021.
Concerning current vaccination progress, we have vaccinated 65% of people over age 65 and 70% of people over age 70. About schools, he said
with the passage of the American Rescue Plan — I thank the House and Senate for passing it — and my…. plan to vaccinate teachers and school staff….. we can accelerate the massive, nationwide effort to reopen our schools safely and meet my goal… of opening the majority of K-8 schools in my first 100 days in office. This is going to be the number one priority of my new Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona.
In his 2023 State of the Union Address, President Joe Biden said,
let’s recognize how far we came in the fight against the pandemic itself.
While the virus is not gone, thanks to the resilience of the American people and the ingenuity of medicine, we’ve broken the COVID grip on us.
COVID deaths are down by 90 percent. We’ve saved millions of lives and opened up our country — we opened our country back up.
And soon, we’ll end the public health emergency.
But we will remember the toll and pain that will never go away for so many. More than 1 million Americans have lost their lives to COVID.
Families grieving. Children orphaned. Empty chairs at the dining room table.
We remember them, and we remain vigilant.
Thanks to usnews.com for publishing the complete transcript of his speech at this link.
(This report was available at whitehouse.gov but is no longer active.)
President Biden, Vice President Harris, and their science and healthcare teams developed a plan with 7 goals to end the pandemic and prevent others. . Here is a list of the 7 goals with a few of the points of each goal.
1. Restore trust with the American people.
establishes a federal COVID-19 response team to coordinate efforts
regular public briefings led by science experts
track and make data available to the public by the CDC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate with the World Health Organization (WHO), federal, state and local public health partners, and clinicians in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. CDC is closely monitoring the situation and working 24/7 to provide updates credit James Gathany, public domain
2.Mount a safe, effective, and comprehensive vaccination campaign.
increase the production of vaccines
give states clearer projections on vaccine availability
partner with states to create more vaccine centers
launch a national campaign to educate and encourage Americans on vaccine
3. Mitigate spread through expanding masking, testing, data, treatments,health care workforce, and clear public health standards.
asking Americans to wear masks for 100 days (note-this adds to any state or local recommendations or mandates on mask use)
require masks on public transportation
the CDC develop guidelines to help schools and businesses to reopen
create programs to develop new treatments for COVID-19
Mask use required on airplanes, trains, and other public transportation
4.Immediately expand emergency relief and exercise the Defence Production Act.
increase emergency funding to the states for pandemic costs, including for PPE and use of National Guard
invoke the Defense Production Act to increase the supply of PPE, and testing and vaccination supplies
5. Safely reopen schools, businesses, and travel while protecting workers.
develop a national strategy to reopen most schools within 100 days
federal agencies to issue updated guidance on protection for workers
asks Congress to provide financial aid to schools, universities, and daycares (cost in the billions)
6. Protect those most at risk and advance equity, including across racial, ethnic and rural/urban lines.
establishes an equity task force to address disparities based on race, ethnicity, and geography
create a U.S. Public Health Workforce to help with testing and vaccinations in their communities
7. Restore U.S. leadership globally and build better preparedness for future threats.
rejoin the World Health Organization
increase humanitarian aid and support efforts to fight COVID-19 around the world
asks for Congressional support to establish a national center to prepare for future biological threats
photo from the Lightstock collection (affiliate link)
Life After the Pandemic
Did you expect to live during a pandemic? Probably not, I know I didn’t expect to not only live but practice medicine while a contagious virus spread through the world.
In what ways was your daily life impacted by the pandemic and how did you cope with those challenges?
What did you learn that might help you in a future medical crisis, either public or private?
If you or your family have persistent health challenges due to COVID, are you finding sources for help and support? What else might help you toward regaining health and wholeness?
Resources for Dealing with Post-COVID Health Issues
I’d love for you to follow this blog and follow me on social media.
I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.
Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.
I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.
watercress words by Dr Aletha 