WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the advice of the Attending Physician of the U.S. Congress, Congressman Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, received the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine.
“This week I was pleased to see that health care workers were the first to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in our state. As the first New Mexicans [to] receive the coronavirus vaccine, I have a responsibility to lead by example and show my constituents that this vaccine is safe and effective. There is nothing to fear about getting vaccinated to protect yourself from this deadly disease,” Luján said. “However, vaccination is only one tool in our kit to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We must continue following the advice of public health experts by social distancing, wearing masks, and washing our hands frequently to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities.”
Luján joins a growing list of Members of Congress from both parties to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the behest of the Office of the Attending Physician.
In a letter to lawmakers earlier this week, Attending Physician Brian Monahan wrote, “My recommendation to you is absolutely unequivocal: There is no reason why you should defer receiving this vaccine.”
