Virginia Theological Seminary
Alexandria, Virginia

2:29 P.M. EDT

Q    Mr. President, quickly: Do you think the worst is behind us with COVID-19?

THE PRESIDENT:  I think if everyone continues down the road we’re on now, it will be behind us.  But it’s not over yet.  We’re in a situation where we — I believe, by the end of this summer, we’ll have a significant portion of the American public vaccinated. 

I’m going to be making a speech when I leave here.  There’s no place to do it here, but back at the White House, we’re going to announce how far down the road we are in terms of the number of people vaccinated with at least one shot. 

I think before another 25 days, we’ll probably have somewhere in excess of 200 million shots that have been administered.  And the good news is: A clear, overwhelming majority of people over the age of 65 have gotten at least one shot.  And that’s the most susceptible age bracket. 

And the good thing also: All these strains you’re hearing about, you should not worry.  They are more virulent, and they are — some are more dangerous, but the vaccines work on all of them.  So the idea is, don’t think that means you shouldn’t get a vaccine.  That increases the need to get one quickly, because that’s how we’re going to beat this.  And you’re going to beat it.

But keep wearing a mask.  Soci — wash the hands and socially distance, which I’m not doing.  (Laughter.)  I’m going to get in trouble here.  Is this your second shot?

PARTICIPANT:  Second shot.

THE PRESIDENT:  Oh, we’re set.  (Laughter.)  I’ve had two as well.  So —

Well, thank you.

2:31 P.M. EDT