WASHINGTON, D.C. – Vice President Mike Pence, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and 5th District Congressman Steny Hoyer all took the new COVID-19 vaccine today.
Hoyer, 81, said, “I strongly encourage every American who is able to get vaccinated. Doing so will both save lives in our communities and help us emerge more quickly from lockdowns and closures so we can build back our economy.”
Pence, 61, said, “We want to ensure every American: While we cut red tape, we have cut no corners when it comes to the development of this safe and effective vaccine.”
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan activated the National Guard to help distribute the vaccine throughout the state.
Healthcare workers and first responders were the first to receive the vaccine. Doses will be distributed to nursing homes starting next week.
Congressman Hoyer, who has represented Maryland for 40 years, said he will continue to wear a mask, wash his hands frequently, and practice social distancing. “That is what we all must continue to do while the vaccine is being deployed around the country and across the world. It is essential that we continue following the guidelines of public health experts, who have made it clear that such measures will still be required until a sufficient portion of the population has been vaccinated and community spread of COVID-19 has ceased.”
