Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will get a COVID-19 vaccine, the two leaders announced in separate statements Thursday.
The 78-year-old Kentucky Republican cited his role in the continuity of government, which he said qualified him to be among the first in Congress, and the nation, to get vaccinated.
“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 said.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is 80, said she would also get the vaccine, citing government continuity.
Pelosi, a California Democrat, is second in line to the president.
Both McConnell and Pelosi said they would receive the shot in the next few days.
Pelosi said the attending physician told all members of Congress they are eligible for the vaccine and should get it right away.
“My recommendation to you is absolutely unequivocal: there is no reason why you should defer receiving this vaccine,” Dr. Brian Monahan wrote to lawmakers, according to Pelosi.
McConnell and Pelosi said they’ll continue to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for mask-wearing, social distancing, and other precautions even after he receives the shot.
“I would strongly encourage everyone to continue following these important guidelines,” McConnell said. “It is the only way we will defeat COVID-19 once and for all.”
Congressional leaders have not announced a formal plan to vaccinate members, who regularly fly to and from Washington, D.C., and congregate in the chambers.
