U.S Sen. Mitch McConnell got a COVID-19 booster shot Monday, the Kentucky Republican announced.
"Today, I followed the advice of experts and my doctors and received a booster vaccination for COVID-19," he said in a tweet. "Mountains of evidence tell us these shots are safe and effective. I continue to encourage all Americans to speak with their doctors and get vaccinated."
In a speech on the Senate floor Monday, McConnell said the decision to get a booster shot was "easy," noting his experience surviving polio has helped shape his positive views on vaccines.
COVID-19 vaccine boosters in Kentucky:Here's what we know and what we don't
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has endorsed booster shots for many who got the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago.
People 65 years and older, residents in long-term care settings and people 50-64 with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot, according to the CDC. McConnell is 79 years old.
People 18–49 with underlying medical conditions and people 18 to 64 years who are at increased risk for exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster, the CDC recommends.
Boosters are not currently available to folks who got the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
McConnell's announcement came the same day that President Joe Biden got his own booster shot on live TV.
"Boosters are important, but the important thing we need to do is get more people vaccinated," Biden said.
USA Today contributed to this report.
Mary Ramsey is a breaking news reporter for The Courier Journal. Reach her at [email protected], and follow her on Twitter @mcolleen1996. Support strong local journalism in our community by subscribing to The Courier Journal today.
