Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell indicated in a statement Thursday night he will take the COVID-19 vaccine “in the coming days,” urging other Americans to do the same once they have the opportunity.
“Because of government continuity requirements, I have been informed by the Office of the Attending Physician that I am eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, which I will accept in the coming days,” McConnell stated.
McConnell’s statement expressed disappointment at a recent survey showing a quarter of Americans saying they won’t take the vaccine and another quarter saying they aren’t sure, saying “it is concerning that half of Americans feel this way.”
“The only way to beat this pandemic is for us to follow the advice of our nation’s health care professionals: get vaccinated and continue to follow CDC guidelines,” McConnell said. “As a polio survivor, I know both the fear of a disease and the extraordinary promise of hope that vaccines bring. I truly hope all Kentuckians and Americans will heed this advice and accept this safe and effective vaccine.”
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Two of McConnell’s colleagues in Kentucky’s congressional delegation have recently expressed skepticism about their own need to take a COVID-19 vaccine, as Sen. Rand Paul and Rep. Thomas Massie argue they have natural immunity due to previously contracting the virus.
Paul has faced heavy criticism for previously asserting those who have contracted the virus are now immune, suggesting they “throw away their masks, go to restaurants, live again.”
However, McConnell’s statement indicated he will continue to wear a mask and follow the guidance of health professionals even after he receives the vaccine.
“Even with a vaccine, I will continue following CDC guidelines by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing my hands frequently,” McConnell stated. “I would strongly encourage everyone to continue following these important guidelines. It is the only way we will defeat COVID-19 once and for all.”
Kentucky Reps. John Yarmuth, Brett Guthrie and Hal Rogers told The Courier Journal this week they would have no qualms with taking the COVID-19 when it is available.
Kentucky’s first shipment of 38,025 doses of the Pfizer vaccine arrived in Louisville on Sunday, which is being allocated first to frontline health care workers and staff and residents of nursing homes.
USA TODAY reported Sunday that top level officials in the White House, Congress and Supreme Court would be offered the vaccine in the coming week.
