During a live press event on Friday morning, Vice President Mike Pence received the new coronavirus vaccine through a shot into his arm. The move was designed to help convince supporters of the president and vice president that the vaccine is safe and effective. Karen Pence, the vice president’s wife, also received the vaccine. Surgeon General Jerome Adams was given the vaccine as well.
After receiving the shot, Pence noted that he didn’t feel a thing and thanked the medical professional who assisted him. He went on to state that the rapid development of the vaccine was miraculous, noting that it can often take as long as a decade to create a vaccine. “But we’re on track here in the United States to administer millions of doses to the American people in less than one year. It is a miracle indeed,” Pence said before cameras.
Pence Tries to Give Confidence in Vaccine
Pence, who has headed the White House’s COVID task force, arranged to be vaccinated on live TV as an effort to bolster public confidence in the safety of the vaccine. “Karen and I wanted to step forward and take this vaccine to assure the American people that while we cut red tape, we cut no corners,” Pence told reporters.
“Thanks to the great work at the National Institute of Health, and the great and careful work of the FDA and the leadership of our president and Operation Warp Speed, the American people can be confident we have one, and perhaps within hours, two safe and effective coronavirus vaccines for you and for your family.”
After being administered the first dose, Pence was reminded that he’ll need to return in 21 days to be given the second dose of the vaccine. In clinical tests, the first dose has been shown to confer some immunity, but it’s the second dose that pushes the vaccine’s effectiveness above ninety percent.
Who’s Next?
It’s unclear when President Donald Trump will be administered the vaccine. He and his wife, Melania Trump, both recovered from COVID in October, meaning they likely have immunity from their own antibodies already. As such, they’re likely in no rush to get a vaccine.
President-elect Joe Biden is expected to be given the vaccine as early as next week. The president-elect is 78, making him the oldest person to be elected president. His age is a risk factor for complications from COVID-19, so a vaccine will be a critical way to keep the incoming president safe from infection.
