WASHINGTON: With more than half of America reluctant or flatly opposed to getting a COVID-19 vaccine, a VIP-filled video call on Thursday targeted the nations military families with an urgent plea: Get the shot.
We need your help, first lady Jill Biden told hundreds of listeners on a call set up by Blue Star Families. Thats why were encouraging everyone to mask up, socially distance and get the vaccine when its your turn.
The call featured detailed medical explanations from Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, who answered questions from the audience, as well as urgings from Army Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and his wife, Hollyanne, who is a nurse. Their pleas underscored the widespread concern about the reluctance among service members and their families to get the vaccine.
According to senior defense leaders, the percentage of service members declining to get the shot is about the same as the general population around half. A…
