Biden declares 'month of action' vaccine push

Dangling everything from sports tickets to a free beer, President Joe Biden is looking for that extra something that will get people to roll up their sleeves for COVID-19 shots when the promise of a life-saving vaccine by itself hasn't been enough.

Biden on Wednesday announced a "month of action" to urge more Americans to get vaccinated before the July 4 holiday, including an early summer sprint of incentives and a slew of new steps to ease barriers and make getting shots more appealing to those who haven't received them.

He is closing in on his goal of getting 70% of adults at least partially vaccinated by Independence Day — essential to his aim of returning the nation to something approaching a pre-pandemic sense of normalcy this summer.

America will soon experience "a summer of freedom, a summer of joy, a summer of get togethers and celebrations. An All-American summer," Biden said from the White House.

But he urged all Americans, particularly those who haven't yet been vaccinated, to do their part.

"All over the world, people are desperate to get a shot that every American can get at their neighborhood drug store at no cost, with no wait," Biden said. "So please, exercise your freedom, live without fear, we need to be one America, united," he added.

Biden said his administration is helping to push "fun rewards" to get more shots in arms.

Among those efforts is a promotional giveaway announced Wednesday by Anheuser-Busch, saying it will "buy Americans 21+ a round of beer" once Biden's 70% goal is met.

"Get a shot and have a beer," Biden said, advertising the promotion even though he himself refrains from drinking alcohol.

Additionally, the White House is partnering with early childhood centers such as KinderCare, Learning Care Group, Bright Horizons and more than 500 YMCAs to provide free childcare coverage for Americans looking for shots or needing assistance while recovering from side effects.