White House says Biden has gotten new COVID vaccine, annual flu shot

US President Joe Biden has gotten the updated COVID-19 vaccine and annual flu shot, the White House says.

The White House physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, says in a memo that Biden received both shots yesterday. O’Connor says Biden, 80, also was vaccinated several weeks ago against the respiratory illness known as RSV.

“As we enter the cold and flu season, the President encourages all Americans to follow his example and to check with their healthcare provider or pharmacist to assure that they are fully vaccinated,” O’Connor writes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this month endorsed the new COVID-19 shot for everyone aged six months and older. The severity of the COVID-19 pandemic has faded, but there are still thousands of hospitalizations and hundreds of deaths in the United States each week.

Experts worry that immunity from previous vaccinations and infections is fading in many people, and a new shot would save many lives.

First lady Jill Biden tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month but experienced only mild symptoms.