Biden 2021 clip on COVID-19 vax during Hurricane Helene

The Truth Behind the Viral Video of Biden Urging Vaccination During Hurricane Season

In 2021, Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on Florida’s Gulf Coast, causing widespread destruction and claiming numerous lives. As the state braced for the impact of this Category 4 storm, a video clip of President Joe Biden discussing the importance of vaccination in hurricane preparedness went viral.

In the clip, Biden emphasizes the crucial role of vaccination in states prone to hurricanes like Florida, the Gulf Coast, and Texas. He underscores how being vaccinated can simplify the complexities that arise during a natural disaster like a hurricane.

The Question

Did President Biden really urge people in the path of Hurricane Helene to get vaccinated?

The Answer

No, the viral video of President Biden advocating for vaccination during hurricane season is from 2021 and is being shared out of context. He did not specifically address Hurricane Helene in this context.

What We Found

The video of Biden speaking about COVID-19 vaccination and hurricane preparedness is from August 2021, not from September 2024 when Hurricane Helene made landfall. During a briefing with FEMA and COVID-19 response teams, Biden highlighted the importance of vaccination in protecting individuals during natural disasters.

He emphasized the increased risks faced by unvaccinated individuals in states with low vaccination rates, particularly in hurricane-prone areas like Florida and Texas. Biden stressed the need to be prepared for both COVID-19 and natural disasters, such as hurricanes, by getting vaccinated.

This video clip has been circulated out of context on multiple occasions, including during Hurricane Ian in 2022. When addressing Hurricane Ian, Biden did not mention COVID-19 vaccination as part of his administration’s disaster preparedness plan.

It is essential to verify the accuracy of viral videos and claims to ensure factual information is disseminated in times of crisis.