Joni Ernst Sparks Backlash for Getting COVID Vaccine After Spreading Conspiracy
On 12/21/20 at 3:01 PM EST
COVID-19 vaccinations continue to be doled out to politicians, but several lawmakers have come under criticism for being among the first to be immunized after previously downplaying the severity of the coronavirus pandemic.
On Sunday, Iowa GOP Senator Joni Ernst announced on Twitter that she received her first dose of the vaccine. Sharing a photo of the vaccination, she said she took it at the recommendation of the Office of the Attending Physician. I encourage all Iowans and Americans to do the same when their time comes. Thanks to #OperationWarpSpeed and the tireless work of Americans across the country, we are one step closer to defeating this virus, she tweeted.
The federal Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization for a second COVID-19 vaccine, developed by the Cambridge-based biotechnology company Moderna and the National Institutes of Health, for people age 18 and up.
The second green light came December 18, as the first vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech, approved just over a week ago, is rolling out across the country. Health care workers ranging from custodial staff to doctors began receiving vaccinations at UCSF and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. More are expected to begin receiving the Moderna vaccine starting this week.
The Moderna vaccine was developed with support from the federal government s Operation Warp Speed, and it will be distributed to Americans free of charge.
Sun, 12/20/2020 - 10:54am tim
Vermont Business Magazine US Senator Bernie Sanders received the COVID-19 vaccine from U.S. Capitol physician, Dr Brian P Monahan on Saturday.
Sanders said, “Following the advice of the Office of the Attending Physician, today I received the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. As the vaccine is being distributed, we must all continue wearing masks and engage in social distancing. That is how we will beat this virus and end this terrible pandemic.”
Source: WASHINGTON – December 19, 2020 – US Senator Bernie Sanders
Published December 19, 2020 •
Updated on December 19, 2020 at 5:56 pm
Win McNamee | Getty Images
Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy both got their COVID vaccines this weekend, they said on Twitter.
Both senators say they trust the effectiveness of the vaccine. Since this pandemic began, I ve looked to public health officials to inform my decisions. That s why, when the capitol attending physician made the vaccine available and my doctor recommended I get it, I rolled up my sleeve right away, Blumenthal said on Twitter.
Since this pandemic began, I’ve looked to public health officials to inform my decisions. That’s why, when the Capitol Attending Physician made the vaccine available & my doctor recommended I get it, I rolled up my sleeve right away. I trust this vaccine is safe & effective. pic.twitter.com/1lshLFD08y Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) December 19, 2020