Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Pence Vaccinated On Live TV: 'I Didn't Feel A Thing'
NBC News: Pence Receives Covid Vaccine In Televised Appearance
Vice President Mike Pence received the Covid-19 vaccine in a televised appearance Friday morning in an effort to promote its safety and boost public confidence in its effectiveness. The Pfizer vaccine was also given to his wife, Karen Pence, and Surgeon General Jerome Adams in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building near the the White House by a medical team from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. "I didn't feel a thing. Well done," Pence said in remarks after receiving the shot in his left arm. (Shabad, 12/18)
CBS News: Vice President Mike Pence Gets Vaccinated On Live Television
"Make no mistake about it: it's a medical miracle," Pence said about the vaccine, which began distribution this week. "I also believe that history will record that this week was the beginning of the end of the coronavirus pandemic." Pence also encouraged Americans to continue to practice social distancing, regular hand washing, and wearing a mask. "The way through this challenging time is vigilance and a vaccine," Pence said. Pence, head of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, has taken on much of the day-to-day work on COVID-19, even as the president continues to focus publicly on the election. It's not year clear when Mr. Trump, who has already had COVID-19, will receive the vaccine. (12/18)
The Washington Post: Pence Receives Coronavirus Vaccine On Live Television
Several screens were set up in the room where the vaccinations took place. They showed messages including: “SAFE and EFFECTIVE” and “PROMISES MADE — OPERATION WARP SPEED — PROMISES KEPT.” Trump, meanwhile, has no public appearances scheduled on Friday. He touted vaccine distribution in several tweets. (Wagner and Shepherd, 12/18)
In related news —
AP: Coronavirus Vaccine Provided To US Supreme Court
The justices on the U.S. Supreme Court are being provided with doses of the coronavirus vaccine. That is according to a letter by Capitol Physician Brian Monahan, which says the court, along with Congress and executive branch agencies are being given a limited supply of doses “for continuity of government operations.” The doses are being provided under a directive by President Donald Trump that established continuity of government as a reason for vaccine prioritization. The Supreme Court and the other branches of government are supposed to be treated “in parallel.” (12/18)
The Wall Street Journal: Nancy Pelosi, Mitch McConnell Plan To Get Covid-19 Vaccine In Coming Days
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said they would get the Covid-19 vaccine within days to ensure the continuity of government during the pandemic. In addition to the two leaders, all members of Congress will be able to receive the coronavirus vaccine produced by Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech SE in the coming days, according to a letter sent to lawmakers Thursday from congressional physician Brian Monahan. He said he was notified by the National Security Council that vaccines were available to members of Congress, the executive branch and the Supreme Court. (Andrews, 12/17)
