[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] "My final message is to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are eligible for the safety of you and your family." Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), who has led the U.S. COVID-19 response, urged vaccination again during his last public briefing on the 22nd (local time).
Fauci, who is set to retire this December, explained the Biden administration's "6-week COVID-19 vaccination campaign" during the briefing held at the White House that day.
He said that compared to a year ago when Omicron swept through, the U.S. is now much better prepared to respond to the resurgence of COVID-19, but "data shows that vaccines are very effective in preventing severe illness and death." He also emphasized the need for additional doses (boosters), stating, "Unlike other vaccines, the protection of COVID-19 vaccines weakens over time."
Fauci, 81 years old this year, will step down from his position as NIAID director, which he has held since 1984, next month. Reflecting on the past three years during which he led the U.S. COVID-19 response, Fauci said, "I never imagined witnessing a grand narrative of suffering and death, with millions of Americans losing their lives," referring to the recent pandemic.
Among the most difficult challenges during this period, Fauci cited the "politicization of public health" under the Donald Trump administration. He pointed out that many refused COVID-19 vaccination for ideological reasons, saying, "As a doctor, it was painful because I did not want to see anyone get infected or hospitalized." He added, "Whether you are an extreme right Republican or an extreme left Democrat makes no difference to me," and said, "I think the same way as when I cared for people in emergency rooms in the heart of New York."
Previously, Fauci had clashed with former President Trump over the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the Republican Party taking control of the House in the upcoming November 8 midterm elections, there are claims that Fauci may be called to testify in future congressional investigations related to the pandemic. Regarding this, Fauci confirmed his cooperation policy, saying, "I have no difficulty testifying. We can explain and support everything we have said."
When asked what he hopes his legacy will be, Fauci emphasized, "I hope people remember what I have done every day over the years," adding, "I gave everything I had." Having served under seven presidents, Fauci also led responses to the AIDS crisis, Ebola virus, Zika virus, and anthrax scares before COVID-19.
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