The Daily Universe President Russell M. Nelson receives his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 19. (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) President Russell M. Nelson and his wife received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine along with seven other General Authorities and their wives. A statement released by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Jan. 19 says “the Church urges its members, employees and missionaries to be good global citizens and help quell the pandemic by safeguarding themselves and others through immunization.” President Nelson said in a Facebook post he was grateful for the opportunity to receive the vaccine. He also said producing a safe vaccine in less than a year is “nothing short of miraculous.”