Big day for public vaccinations: Pence receives coronavirus vaccine on camera

Vice President Pence on Friday received the coronavirus vaccine on live television, making him the first White House official to do so.

Pence, the leader of the White House coronavirus task force, received the vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech a week after it was approved in a major milestone in the battle against the coronavirus. He did so publicly, at an event in the White House Friday morning, in order to help build public confidence in the vaccine and assure Americans of its safety and efficacy.

“We gather here today at the end of a historic week to affirm to the American people that hope is on the way,” Pence said in remarks after receiving the vaccine, assuring the public that while the officials “cut red tape” to quickly produce the vaccine, they “cut no corners.”

Split screen: Shortly after Pence spoke, Trump retweeted a conservative commentator questioning the efficacy of masks and business closures to fight the virus.

It is unclear when and how Trump will receive the vaccine, though he has indicated he plans to receive it.

Other big vaccinations today: Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) both got the vaccine and posted photos on Twitter.