California Medical Association (CMA) President Peter N. Bretan, Jr., M.D., issued the following statement in response to a recent uptick in California's COVID-19 rates and the need for vaccination:

"We are watching with alarm as COVID-19 cases rise across our state. It’s clear that all of us have a responsibility to do more to bring this pandemic to an end, and COVID vaccines are the surest way to accomplish that.

Unvaccinated people put all of us at risk. In recent days, we have seen state and federal leaders do more to mandate and encourage COVID vaccines for all who are eligible. Now many California businesses are also stepping up. CMA fully supports vaccination requirements for all employees and physicians in health care settings. We must ensure that all of us are vaccinated against COVID-19 to send a strong message that the safety of others is our top priority. 

We will continue to do our part to ensure others know vaccines are safe and effective. It is our responsibility to each other to get vaccinated to bring this pandemic to an end."