WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following the advice of the Attending Physician of the U.S. Congress, Congressman Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, received the first dose of the corona virus vaccine.
"This week I was pleased to see that healthcare workers were the first to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in our state. As the first New Mexicans 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," said Lujan. "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."
Congressman Lujan joins a growing list of Members of Congress from both parties to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the be hest 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."