Biden said Thursday that Americans unvaccinated against the coronavirus are facing a winter of “severe illness and death.”

“It’s here now and it’s spreading and it’s going to increase,” the president saidabout the omicron variant while meeting with his coronavirus response team. “For unvaccinated we are looking at a winter of severe illness and death if you’re unvaccinated for themselves, their families, and the hospitals they will soon overwhelm.”

“But, there’s good news,” Biden added. “If you’re vaccinated and have your booster shot you’re protected from severe illness and death.”

Biden’s warning comes almost a year into his presidency after repeating many times on the campaign trail that he was the candidate who would “shut down the virus” and blaming former President Trump for his “ineptitude” in slowing the spread.

The COVID vaccines were developed during Trump’s term under Operation Warp Speed, which he initiated.

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Wednesday that she expected reports of omicron cases in the U.S. to increase in the coming days.