By Moira Warburton

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The White House expressed gratitude to former President Donald Trump for receiving and promoting the COVID-19 booster shot. Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, stated on Thursday.

In an interview, the Republican ex-president stated that he had received a booster shot and called COVID-19 vaccinations “one the greatest achievements in mankind.”

Trump spoke out in an interview with Candace Owens to say that the vaccine is the best way to prevent getting very sick. You’re covered if you get the vaccine.

Psaki said that “we’re grateful for the former president getting the booster” and that it was also a blessing that he stated in an interview on Thursday that they worked and were safe.

Just 62% of Americans https://graphics.reuters.com/world-coronavirus-tracker-and-maps/vaccination-rollout-and-access are fully vaccinated, one of the lowest rates among rich nations, thanks in part to a Republican-led pushback against Democratic President Joe Biden’s year-long vaccination campaign.

Trump disclosed on Sunday, during an interview with Bill O’Reilly (NASDAQ): that he had received a booster shot for the COVID-19 vaccine. This triggered jeers from the audience and much hectoring.

Trump has seen a significant shift in his tone since September when he stated that he was unlikely to get one.

COVID-19 is responsible for the deaths of over 800,000 Americans, which makes it the deadliest disease in America. Most of the deaths in this year’s epidemic were among those who weren’t vaccinated.