Senator Kamala Harris vaccinated: Politicians who got the COVID-19 shot
Public officials & politicians are some of the first people in line to get the COVID-19 vaccines. While many healthcare workers are still waiting for their doses, people in politics qualify for priority and many of them recorded themselves getting the jab.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech & Moderna vaccines. Both need to be taken several weeks apart and many politicians received one already.
Adding to the list of politicians who got the vaccine, Senator Kamala Harris got her first dose of the Moderna vaccine on Tuesday, just several weeks before she’s anticipated to take the position as vice president.
Senator Kamala Harris gets the COVID-19 vaccine
Kamala Harris got her shot on live television. It was administered by clinical nurse manager Patricia Cummings at United Medical Center in Washington, D.C. “Thank you. I barely felt it,” she said right after the vaccination was over. Her husband, Doug Emhoff, also received the vaccine.
“It’s literally about saving lives,” Harris said. “I trust the scientists. And it is the scientists who created and approved this vaccine. So I urge everyone, when it is your turn, get vaccinated.” Harris also took the opportunity to thank the healthcare workers at the hospital.
Vaccinated politicians beyond Senator Kamala Harris
Other prominent politicians got vaccinated with either the Moderna vaccine or the Pfizer-BioNTech one.
Some of the vaccinated politicians who got vaccinated before Harris include those who previously made statements apparently downplaying the virus & the vaccine. These include Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds.
Will Senator Kamala Harris encourage Trump to get vaccinated?
President Donald Trump hasn’t taken the vaccine yet, and he’s one of the most important political figures in the country right now. He’s also been known to spread false information about the virus and the vaccine.
Earlier in December, he tweeted he was “not scheduled” to get the vaccine but looked “forward to doing so at the appropriate time”. He was hospitalized with COVID-19 in October.
Politicians like Harris are making their vaccinations live to the public as a means to build trust and encourage others to do the same. Other well-known politicians got vaccinated recently, too. Here’s a list:
Today, I received the COVID-19 vaccine.
To the scientists and researchers who worked tirelessly to make this possible — thank you. We owe you an awful lot.
And to the American people — know there is nothing to worry about. When the vaccine is available, I urge you to take it. pic.twitter.com/QBtB620i2V
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) December 22, 2020
Joe Biden
On December 21st, Joe Biden got his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on live television just like Harris. He got the shot a few hours after Jill Biden, his wife, did. They both got the vaccine at a hospital near their home in Delaware.
“I’m doing this to demonstrate that people should be prepared, when it’s available, to take the vaccine,” Biden said while getting the vaccine. “There’s nothing to worry about. I’m looking forward to the second shot.”
We want to ensure every American: While we cut red tape, we have cut no corners when it comes to the development of this SAFE and EFFECTIVE vaccine. pic.twitter.com/aKAEzxUVd6
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) December 18, 2020
Mike Pence
Despite making statements apparently downplaying the pandemic in the past, Vice President Mike Pence and his wife also got vaccinated.
“We want to ensure every American: While we cut red tape, we have cut no corners when it comes to the development of this SAFE and EFFECTIVE vaccine,” Pence tweeted.
Today, with confidence in science & at the direction of the Office of the Attending Physician, I received the COVID-19 vaccine. As the vaccine is being distributed, we must all continue mask wearing, social distancing & other science-based steps to save lives & crush the virus. pic.twitter.com/tijVCSnJd7
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) December 18, 2020
Nancy Pelosi
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted a photo of her vaccination.
“Today, with confidence in science & at the direction of the Office of the Attending Physician, I received the COVID-19 vaccine,” she wrote on Twitter. “As the vaccine is being distributed, we must all continue mask wearing, social distancing & other science-based steps to save lives & crush the virus.”
Just received the safe, effective COVID vaccine following continuity-of-government protocols. Vaccines are how we beat this virus.
Now back to continue fighting for a rescue package including a lot more money for distribution so more Americans can receive it as fast as possible. pic.twitter.com/kSBhI3EzzM
— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) December 18, 2020
Mitch McConnell
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tweeted about his vaccine shortly after Pelosi did.
“Just received the safe, effective COVID vaccine following continuity-of-government protocols. Vaccines are how we beat this virus,” he wrote.
If you have any questions or unease about the COVID vaccine, I got you!
I’d *never* ask you to do something I wasn’t willing to do myself.
Yday per national security policy (PPD40), Congress began getting vaccinated.
I took the jab & am here to answer your questions. Ask away! pic.twitter.com/ZyBgXi7kRl
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) December 19, 2020
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York received the Pfizer vaccine on December 18th. She shared her experience on social media and invited the public to ask her questions about it.
“I took the jab & am here to answer your questions,” she wrote.
Other politicians will probably get the vaccine in the near future, too. All of them will have to get another dose as well.
