WASHINGTON: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said they would get the Covid-19 vaccine in a few days to ensure government continuity during the pandemic.
In addition to the two leaders, all members of Congress will be able to receive the coronavirus vaccine produced by Pfizer Inc.
and Germany’s BioNTech SE in the coming days, according to a letter sent to lawmakers Thursday by Congressional physician Brian Monahan. He said the National Security Council notified him that the vaccines were available to members of Congress, the executive branch and the Supreme Court.
Dr. Monahan encouraged lawmakers to schedule an appointment for the vaccine at the Capitol complex. Once legislators are vaccinated, Congressional staff will be eligible.
Mr. McConnell (R., Ky.) And Mrs. Pelosi (D., California) encouraged the public to get the vaccine when they were eligible to do so.
“I’m disappointed to see the first public sentiments showing certain hesitation to receive a vaccine,” McConnell said, citing a recent survey by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs that showed that only half of those Americans want the vaccine. “As a survivor of polio, I know both the fear of a disease and the extraordinary promise of hope that vaccines bring.”
Ms Pelosi said she would continue to wear a mask and take other steps to decrease the risk of infection after receiving the vaccine.
Lawmakers, who travel frequently and are responsible for passing legislation to respond to the pandemic, have debated whether or not they should get it as essential staff.
Dr. Monahan encouraged all members of Congress to receive the vaccine, whether they had Covid-19 or not. In a bold letter to his letter to all lawmakers, he wrote: “My recommendation is absolutely unequivocal: there is no reason why I should postpone the receipt of this vaccine. The benefit far outweighs any small risks. ”
For those who were worried, they were advancing to front-line health workers and first aid, Dr. Monahan said Congress will receive a small portion of the doses available nationwide.
National Security Council spokesman John Ullyot said earlier this week that senior officials from the three branches of government will receive vaccines due to security protocols established in 2016. The policy was intended to establish continuity and safety requirements. ‘applies to the leadership and staff of all branches of government.
“The American people should have confidence that they receive the same effective and safe vaccine as senior U.S. government officials on the advice of public health professionals and national security leaders,” Ullyot said.
Lawmakers also plan to get the vaccine to grow public faith in the shot, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration last week. Vice President Mike Pence is set to get the vaccine on camera Friday morning, along with Second Lady Karen Pence and Surgeon General Jerome Adams. President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris are expected to receive the vaccine early next week.
More than 40 members of Congress have tested positive for coronavirus. On Thursday, Louisiana Democrat Cedric Richmond and Alabama Republican Mike Rogers were the last to announce they had the Covid-19.
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It appeared in the December 18, 2020 print edition as “McConnell, Pelosi will get fast vaccines.”