Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Friday he received the COVID-19 vaccine and is advocating for Americans to do the same.
McConnell said he has championed mask-wearing, social distancing, and other practices since the spring, and because of the health professionals at the FDA, Operation Warp Speed, and the provisions of the CARES Act, we have a vaccine ready. However, he said he is disappointed to see early public sentiment showing hesitation towards receiving the vaccine.
McConnell cited a recent poll that shows nearly a quarter of adults aren’t certain if they want the COVID-19 vaccination and another quarter say they will not take it. McConnell noted he is concerned that half of Americans feel this way.
He said the only way to beat the pandemic is to follow the advice of health care professionals: get vaccinated and follow CDC guidelines.
“As a polio survivor, I know both the fear of 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,” McConnell said.
He said that even though we have the vaccine, it is important to continue following CDC guidelines and encourages others to do so as well. McConnell added he will continue to fight for funding to make the vaccine available to every American as soon as possible.
