In the News

In separate tweets over the weekend, U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal and U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey all announced they have received the first of two COVID vaccinations.

Each tweet was accompanied by a shot of the lawmaker getting vaccinated. All had similarly worded statements of support for the vaccine.

Neal, like his Democratic colleagues from the Massachusetts delegation, used the opportunity to encourage others to get vaccinated when they have the opportunity.

“Today, under the guidance of the Office of the Attending Physician, I received the first of 2 COVID19 vaccinations,” Neal wrote Sunday. “It is safe, will save lives & I encourage everyone who can receive it to do so. Please continue to wear masks, practice social distancing & stay home when possible.”

All three members are over the age of 70: Neal is 71, Markey is 74 and Warren is 71.

President-Elect Joe Biden was expected to get vaccinated Monday on live television. Sitting Vice President Mike Pence was vaccinated last week.

The vaccination program that began only in the last week has given initial shots to about 556,000 Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Associated Press reported that people 75 and older and essential workers like firefighters, teachers and grocery store workers should be next in line for COVID-19 shots.

The COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech already is being distributed, and regulators last week gave approval to the one from Moderna Inc. that began shipping Sunday.