Pop star Olivia Rodrigo has urged young Americans to come forward for their Covid vaccinations saying it’s ‘the best thing you can do for your health and your loved ones’.

She made the plea during a meeting with Joe Biden at the White House in Washington DC on Wednesday, as the president looks to boost America’s vaccination rates.

The collaboration between Rodrigo, 18, and Biden, 78, comes as only about 38% of Americans aged between 18 and 29-years-old have received at least one dose of a Covid vaccine. The recruitment of the ‘good 4 u’ artist, who has 14.5 million followers on Instagam, coincides with a concerning rise in the number of Delta variant cases being detected in the US.

It’s hoped that with the help of influencers like Rodrigo, more people will choose to have their vaccinations.

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During their meeting, Rodrigo posed for photos with Biden and his chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci, while also addressing members of the press on why she thinks it’s important for young people to get vaccinated. Biden and Rodrigo also posted photos and vaccination pleas on their individual Instagram feeds.

The former Disney child actor, who became the youngest solo artist to top both the UK singles and album chart at the same time, said in the post ‘EVERYONE GET VAXED IT’S SO IMPORTANT’.

Rodrigo added: ‘even if you are young and not immuno-compromised, getting your Covid vaccination is the best thing you can do for your health and your loved ones’ health.

‘Thank you to everyone who has done their part in helping end this pandemic and thank you to president Biden, vice president Harris, Dr Fauci, and everyone at the White House for having me.’

Biden’s post, meanwhile, thanked Rodrigo for taking part in his vaccine drive.

He said: ‘Thanks for stopping by, Olivia, and for using your voice to urge young people to get vaccinated.

‘If we all do our part and get the Covid vaccine, we can defeat this virus once and for all. Let’s do this.’

Earlier on Wednesday Rodrigo spoke briefly during a press briefing and said she was in ‘awe’ of the president’s work so far.

She said: ‘I am beyond honored and humbled to be here today to help spread the message about the importance of youth vaccinations.

‘I’m in awe of the work President Biden and Dr. Fauci have done and was happy to lend my support for this important initiative.

‘It’s important to have conversations with friends and family members encouraging all communities to get vaccinated and actually get to a vaccination site.

‘Thank you all for helping share this important message. It’s so appreciated.’

The White House narrowly missed out on Joe Biden’s target to get 70% of US adults at least partially vaccinated by July 4. In response, Biden unveiled new initiatives to encourage more people to come forward.

He announced a door-to-door outreach program and said officials will send vaccines to health care providers and pediatricians who can encourage adolescents to get shots.

‘We are emerging from one of the darkest years in our nation’s history into a summer of hope and joy’, Biden said.

‘We can’t get complacent now. The best thing you can do to protect yourself and your family and the people you care about the most is to get vaccinated.’

According to a June report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about 68% of Americans aged 18 and older have received at least one shot of a Covid vaccine.

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