President-Elect Joe Biden received the coronavirus vaccine on live television on Monday.
Washington DC: US President-Elect Joe Biden has received his first dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, saying he was getting the jab to show Americans it is "safe to take".
He received the coronavirus vaccine on live television on Monday at the Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware.
Biden gave a fist-bump to his nurse practitioner after getting vaccinated.
The President-Elect took to Twitter to reassure the American people that “there was nothing to worry about,” amid widespread concerns of skepticism relating to the vaccine.
Today, I received the COVID-19 vaccine.
To the scientists and researchers who worked tirelessly to make this possible — thank you. We owe you an awful lot.
And to the American people — know there is nothing to worry about. When the vaccine is available, I urge you to take it. pic.twitter.com/QBtB620i2V
Biden joins a growing number of political leaders getting the jab, including Vice-President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
He said the Trump administration "deserves some credit" for launching the country's vaccine programme.
“The administration deserves some credit getting this off the ground,” he said. “I’m doing this to demonstrate that people should be prepared when it’s available to take the vaccine.”
According to a BBC report, Biden's wife, Jill Biden, received her first dose earlier in the day, the president-elect said. Mr Biden's running mate, Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff are expected to receive their first shots next week.
Biden, however, warned Americans that vigilance in the coming months was still necessary.
“It’s going to take time,” he said, encouraging people to continue to wear masks and socially distance. “If you don’t have to travel, don’t travel,” he said. “It’s really important.”