Vice President Pence, Top Lawmakers Get Pfizer’s Coronavirus Vaccine

VICE PRESIDENT MIKE Pence, along with his wife, received their first dose of Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine Friday morning live on television. Pence said he was "honored to step forward and receive the safe and effective coronavirus vaccine," adding that he and the second lady "hope it will be a source of confidence and comfort for the American people."

Alongside the Pences, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams also received his first dose of Pfizer's vaccine on television, later saying he hopes his "vaccination can help restore trust" in the medical community and government.

Later in the day, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted a photo of herself getting the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, urging Americans to continue to wear face coverings and social distance while vaccinations are distributed.

"Today, with confidence in science & at the direction of the Office of the Attending Physician, I received the COVID-19 vaccine," Pelosi tweeted. "As the vaccine is being distributed, we must all continue mask wearing, social distancing & other science-based steps to save lives & crush the virus."

Shortly after Pelosi's tweet, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also tweeted that he "received the safe, effective COVID vaccine following continuity-of-government protocols."

"Vaccines are how we beat this virus," McConnell tweeted. "Now back to continue fighting for a rescue package including a lot more money for distribution so more Americans can receive it as fast as possible."

On Monday, President-elect Joe Biden and incoming first lady Jill Biden will receive their first doses of the Pfizer and BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, transition spokesperson Jen Psaki said during a briefing.

While specific details of when and where the Bidens will be getting the vaccine haven't been finalized, Psaki said "he will be doing it in public, which is important to us, as he has stated many times, to send a clear message to the public that it is safe."

Psaki added that, consistent with security and medical protocols, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will not receive the vaccine at the same time as the president-elect. Harris and her husband are expected to receive their first dose of the vaccine the following week.