In an effort to increase Covid-19 vaccination rates, Jill Biden visits Dallas

Dallas, TX – In an effort and support of higher vaccination rates, First Lady Jill Biden visited North Texas on Tuesday as a part of her vaccination efforts effort across the country.

Jill Biden stopped at Dallas ISD’s Conrad High School vaccination site where she encourages everyone to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, especially younger Americans who seems to have the lowest vaccination rates compared to all other age groups.

A young boy had a great distraction while getting the shot: a conversation with the first lady and Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith.

“Do your part. Stand up for America,” Smith said. “Stand up for the person to your right and your left.”

Biden also visited with students, their relatives and staff. She talked to them about how the pandemic has affected them and why they chose to get the shot now.

“Do it for your children, grandparents, neighbors… celebrate the 4th the way it should be,” she said.

President Biden set a July Fourth goal to have 70% of American adults 18 and up with at least one shot. That won’t be reached this weekend.

In Texas, 57% have had one shot and 49% are fully vaccinated. That includes children ages 12 and up. Texas does not have statistics for just adults 18 and up.

In Dallas County, 48% of people 12 and older are fully vaccinated. It’s 47% in Tarrant County, 52% in Denton County and 58% in Collin County.

With many Texans still not vaccinated, FOX 4 asked Dr. Mark Casanova with the Dallas County Medical Society if we’ve reached the portion of the population that just can’t be swayed.

“For some, it’s access. That’s why we are doing everything to make it readily available,” he said.

“For others, I think it’s information. They wanted more information to see its safe.”

Dr. Casanova said the presence of the first lady and others continuing to encourage people to get the shot could still change a few minds. But there will always be a group of people whose minds can’t be changed.

“It’s hard to know what resonates with individuals,” he said.

Biden continued to emphasize that the vaccine is safe, accessible and free. She hopes her visit will encourage those who are still on the fence.

“Your life and your health matter to me and to your president,” she said.

It was the second of four school vaccination events being held at Dallas ISD schools this week in conjunction with Parkland Hospital, a move by the district now that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is approved for people age 12 and up. Those who got vaccinated at Tuesday’s clinic got a free pass to Six Flags.