President-elect Biden and incoming First Lady Dr. Jill Biden are being given the Covid-19 vaccine on live television.
The 46th commander-in-chief is being inoculated at ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital near his home base in Wilmington, Del., as part of a broader campaign by lawmakers to encourage confidence in the newly approved vaccines.
Word that Biden would be receiving the vaccine came last week.
Speaking to reporters last Wednesday in Wilmington, the incoming president explained, “I don’t want to get ahead of the line, but I want to make sure we demonstrate to the American people that it is safe to take.”
Vice President-elect Harris and her husband, incoming Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, will not be given their first doses of a vaccine until next week, incoming White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said.
That decision was made for national security purposes and at the suggestion of medical experts, Psaki explained on Friday, arguing that doing so avoided the chances of both Biden and Harris experiencing side effects at the same time.
Joe Biden receives a Covid-19 vaccination.AFP via Getty Images
On Friday, Vice President Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence were given their first round of shots to protect against the novel virus, which they also had televised.
President Trump, meanwhile, has been recommended against taking the vaccine just yet by doctors.
When diagnosed with Covid-19 in October, the president was treated with an experimental monoclonal antibody treatment. Individuals who receive that particular treatment, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory board, should not be vaccinated for at least 90 days to avoid any potential interference.
The White House has said that he is still discussing timing with his doctors.
“When the time is right, I’m sure he will remain willing to take it. It’s just something we’re working through,” White House spokesman Brian Morgenstern said Friday.
With Post wires
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