WASHINGTON (Reuters] – On Thursday, President Joe Biden is expected to highlight a “strong increase” in U.S. vaccinations. A White House official indicated that this was in response to the vaccine mandates he introduced for both federal workers and major companies.

In remarks scheduled for 12:30 p.m. EDT, Biden will highlight that “thanks to his ‘Path out of the Pandemic’ plan and the administration’s urgent push for vaccine requirements, the country is seeing a strong uptick in vaccinations, while cases and hospitalizations continue to decline,” a White House official said.

Officials from the Biden administration stated Wednesday that vaccination rates against COVID-19 have increased by over 20 percent in the United States after several institutions adopted the vaccine requirement in recent months. Case numbers and deaths are also down.

Biden stated in July that federal employees needed to get vaccinated. According to Biden, federal workers must get vaccinated, or they will lose their jobs. Large companies employees should also be tested or given the jabs.

According to Reuters, 66.3% have received at least one shot in the United States and 57.3% have been fully vaccinated. Officials from the White House stated Wednesday that 77% of Americans who are eligible had been vaccinated.

Some Republicans have been critical of the mandates. Texas Governor Gregg Abbott was one, and he issued an executive directive prohibiting states from mandating vaccines. They say that they will ignore the ban.

The United States is expected to approve vaccines for children below 12 by year end.

Biden will talk also about booster shots, and making sure schools are safe and open.

According to a White House official, “He will also remind Americans that despite this solid progress, there is no time for us to stop our responses.”