McConnell, 78, added that he will be vaccinated because of “government continuity requirements.” He said he will continue to practice social detachment and wear a mask after being vaccinated.
Pelosi, 80, said in a statement, “With confidence in the vaccine and as directed by the treating physician, I plan to receive the vaccine in the coming days.”
“Even with a vaccine, I will continue to follow CDC guidelines by wearing a mask and taking other science-based steps to stop the spread of the virus,” added Pelosi.
According to multiple sources, Congress will receive a limited batch of the coronavirus vaccine in the coming days.
The announcements come now that Vice President Mike Pence and President-elect Joe Biden also plan to be vaccinated soon. Pence will publicly fire at the White House on Friday morning to boost public confidence in the vaccine.
The Food and Drug Administration last week approved a vaccine developed by Pfizer for emergency use and is expected to approve a second vaccine manufactured by Moderna on Friday. Still, many Americans have doubts about the vaccine, despite health experts insisting that it is safe. According to a survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation this week, more than 25 percent of Americans are reluctant to take the vaccine.
In his statement on Thursday, McConnell expressed dismay at the public doubts and urged Americans to get vaccinated as an act of civil responsibility.
“As a polio survivor, I know both the fear of a disease and the extraordinary promise of hope that vaccines bring. I really hope that all Kentuckians and Americans will heed this advice and accept this safe and effective vaccine,” he said in a statement. .
Pelosi insisted on equitable distribution of the vaccine, adding, “We must all continue to test, track, treat, wear masks and socialize while the vaccine is distributed.”