Dr. Ruiz Joins Bipartisan Group of Doctors in Congress to Encourage COVID Booster Participation
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA) joined a group of bipartisan doctors in Congress in launching a radio PSAto encourage COVID-19 vaccine booster shot participation, especially for seniors and those with underlying health conditions. In the PSA, Dr. Ruiz along with U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) and John Barrasso, M.D. (R-WY), and Representatives Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) and Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA) said in part:
"I come to you today, not only as a Member of Congress but as a physician concerned for your health and your safety, and that of our nation… With COVID cases back on the rise and only about a quarter of eligible Americans having taken the booster, I urge you to talk with your trusted doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible about taking action. This holiday season… you should consider getting a COVID vaccine booster – especially if you are a senior or someone with underlying health conditions… This holiday season, the best gift you can give the people you love is the gift of life. Get your booster and live life fully."
You may click HERE to listen to the PSA.
Full text of the PSA:
Dr. Marshall: Hi, I'm Senator Marshall from the great state of Kansas. I come to you today, not only as a Member of Congress but as a physician concerned for your health and your safety, and that of our nation.
Dr. Schrier: And, we come to you today from both sides of the aisle. With COVID cases back on the rise and only about a quarter of eligible Americans having taken the booster, I urge you to talk with your trusted doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible about taking action.
Dr. Barrasso: This holiday season, I have three reasons why you should consider getting a COVID vaccine booster – especially if you are a senior or someone with underlying health conditions. First, the effectiveness of your COVID vaccination drops to about 50 percent after 6 months of getting the jab.
Dr. Ruiz: Second, with the booster, you are 14 times less likely to end up being hospitalized if you get sick with COVID. And third, with the booster, you are 10 times less likely to die. For now, it appears the Delta variant will still dominate. But, the good news is we know the booster will help prevent hospitalizations and save lives.
Dr. Bera: And Omicron? Well, we don't know as much about it but you will likely benefit from the COVID booster as well. Finally, please consider this friendly advice: whether you are exposed to Delta or Omicron, the flu, or common cold… healthy eating, daily exercise, seven hours of sleep nightly, and avoiding stress all will serve you well.
Dr. Marshall: Like my grandmother always said, "If you have your health, you have everything." This holiday season, the best gift you can give the people you love is the gift of life. Get your booster.
Dr. Bera: Get your booster.
Dr. Schrier: Get your booster.
Dr. Barrasso: Get your booster and live life fully.
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