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EPA administrator visits Charlotte to boost COVID-19 vaccines

The visit comes as state and local health officials continue to urge the public about the importance of getting protection against the virus.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Biden administration focused its COVID-19 vaccination efforts on Charlotte Tuesday as Environmental Protection Administrator Michael Regan visited the Queen City to promote getting the shot. 

Dr. Raynard Washington, Mecklenburg County's deputy health director, knows the county faces some hurdles when it comes to convincing unvaccinated people to take the shot. Recent incentive programs, like the $25 cash cards and the recently announced $1 million lottery, aren't boosting vaccinations the way health leaders hoped they would. 

Regan toured a pop-up vaccination clinic to highlight the White House's push to mobilize grassroots efforts to educate and get as many as possible to take the shot. President Joe Biden laid out a goal of having 70% of Americans at least partially vaccinated by July 4 but now it appears the U.S. will miss that target. 

"When it comes to vaccinations, I'll be honest, we have a little bit of catching up to do, but I know we can get there," Regan said at Tuesday's event. "That Carolina comeback is real."

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Dr. Cameron Webb, the senior adviser for equity on the White House's COVID-19 task force, joined Regan on his tour. Their visit comes as North Carolina and Mecklenburg County health officials continue to urge the public about the importance of being protected against the virus. 

"Wherever we can go to have a clinic, we will basically try to be there," Washington said. 

RELATED: Vice President Kamala Harris urges vaccinations during SC trip

RELATED: Full approval could pave way for more mandatory COVID-19 shots

 Contact Richard DeVayne at rdevayne@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook and TwitterContact Kendall Morris at kmorris2@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

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