Back in April of 2020, I had COVID-19. I had never been this kind of sick. Everything hurt. It felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't keep food in me.
Months later, I recovered but still suffer from the long-term effects of the virus – malaise, fatigue, headaches, and dizziness are all ongoing realities for me. Through all of this, I have been privileged enough to have access to top-of-the-line medical care – something far too many people lack. While COVID-19 does not discriminate, I have learned that too often, our systems do.
That’s why I’m joining Oxfam and urging President Biden to commit to a People’s Vaccine: free, fair, and accessible to all.
Check out this 90 second explainer video by Oxfam to learn about the People's Vaccine and why it’s so important.
![Watch the People's Vaccine explainer video.](https://secure2.oxfamamerica.org/page/-/People%27s%20Vaccine.png)
The scientific breakthroughs of COVID-19 vaccines may be a light at the end of this pandemic tunnel, but ONLY if everyone, everywhere has access.
We have seen this virus and its impacts disproportionately affect communities of color – especially women of color – and low-income countries are particularly behind in accessing vaccines to combat COVID-19. Now, pharmaceutical companies are delivering really effective vaccines, but these vaccines will have zero effectiveness for those who don’t have access to them or can’t afford them. The new mutations also threaten the effectiveness of the current vaccines, highlighting the point that no one is safe until everyone is safe.
It’s time for corporations to put people over profits by committing to sharing their vaccine technology, which would enable billions of doses to be made as soon as possible at the lowest possible price. This would help us here at home and struggling families around the world.
Please join me and demand that the COVID-19 vaccine be patent-free, mass produced, distributed fairly, and made available free of charge, to every individual, everywhere, no matter who they are or where they live.
My hope is that we can end this pandemic once and for all, to save lives, get people back to work, and kids back to school. We can do this by following the advice of scientists: wear a mask, practice social distancing, avoid indoor space, and wash hands frequently. As importantly, we can do this by demanding a People’s Vaccine: available to everyone, no matter your wealth or the country in which you were born. It’s time to do the right thing. If we don’t vaccinate the world over, it will be one of the biggest moral failings of our lives.
Join me and Oxfam as we hold the powerful accountable and fight for a People’s Vaccine: free, fair, and accessible for everyone, everywhere.
In solidarity,
Alyssa Milano
Actor and Activist
P.S. After you watch the quick video, please take the time to sign your name to Oxfam’s petition. Signatures collected by Oxfam as well as a coalition of other organizations will be delivered to the Biden administration.
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