House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell received the first doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine on Friday.
Congress leaders are among the highest-ranking government officials to receive the shooting, following Vice President Mike Pence, who was vaccinated on live television last Friday.
“Today, with confidence in science and the direction of the Assistant Physician’s Office, I received the COVID-19 vaccine,” Pelosi tweeted, along with photos of herself receiving inoculation.
“As the vaccine is distributed, we must all continue to use the mask, social distancing and other science-based steps to save lives and crush the virus.”
The 80-year-old California Democrat’s announcement was soon followed by a 78-year-old McConnell, who wrote in a tweet that “He has just received the safe and effective COVID vaccine following government continuity protocols.”
“Vaccines are how we overcome this virus,” the Kentucky Republican said.
The Capitol doctor, Dr. Brian P. Monahan, administered the shooting to Pelosi and McConnell and has informed all members of the House and Senate that they are eligible under the government’s continuity guidelines.
Lawmakers were asked to make an appointment with their office to get vaccinated.
President-elect Joe Biden will receive inoculation Monday in Delaware along with his wife, Jill. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, will get it next week.
President Trump has not yet gotten the vaccine. On Monday, he tweeted, “I’m not planning on getting the vaccine, but I hope to do it at the right time.”
With publishing cables