Celebrities Who Have Gotten The COVID-19 Vaccine
As of early April 2021, 16.9 percent of Americans are already fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (via Becker Hospital Review). Are you one of them? If not, is it that you're not yet eligible, or is something else holding you back? Some Americans are feeling reluctant, which is a concern for infectious disease experts as they know herd immunity requires somewhere between 70 to 85 percent of the entire country to be vaccinated (via WebMD).
You've likely heard the benefits of the vaccine from medical professionals, but don't underestimate the power of celebrities. In fact, celebrities are likely even more influential on our decision-making, according to a report by USA Today. The entertainment industry has gotten involved in the vaccination effort, producing specials featuring celebrities to reassure the American public about the safety and efficacy of the available vaccines, such as the NBC special set to air April 18, 2021, "Roll Up Your Sleeves", presented by Walgreens. Curious to know which of your fave celebs have, indeed, rolled up their sleeves? Here's a look.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris led the way
On December 21, 2020, then-President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden got their first doses of the Pfizer's vaccine against COVID-19 in Newark, Delaware, CNBC reported. "There's nothing to worry about," Biden assured the public, "and I'm looking forward to the second shot." And three weeks later, he got it (via AP).
On December 29, 2020, then-Vice President-elect Kamala Harris got her first dose of the Moderna vaccine, Los Angeles Times reported. "That was easy," Harris said. "I barely felt it." Harris took the opportunity not only to reiterate her trust in the scientists who created the vaccine, but also to encourage everyone to get the vaccine once it becomes available to them. "It is relatively painless. ... It is safe," she said, referring to the shot. "My husband is going to have it today as well. I look forward to getting the second vaccine."
Both Biden and Harris made a point of distinguishing between the "vaccine" and "getting vaccinated." In other words, it's great that we have the vaccine available, but now it's important that people go out and get it.
All nine Supreme Court Justices received the COVID-19 vaccine
"The U.S. Supreme Court justices are in the process of being vaccinated for Covid-19, with Chief Justice John Roberts among those who have already received both doses, a spokeswoman said," reported Bloomberg in mid-January 2021. The vaccine earmarked for the Supreme Court justices was the Pfizer vaccine. This vaccine requires two doses, spaced three weeks apart (via CDC). By Friday, March 5, 2021, all of the justices had been fully vaccinated, a United States Supreme Court spokesperson told CNBC.
According to CNBC, the "ages of the nine justices span more than three decades," with the youngest being 49-year-old Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who was diagnosed with COVID-19 over the summer (via ABC News7). The oldest was Stephen Breyer, who was 82 at the time of his vaccination. Notwithstanding the vaccination of all justices, the Supreme Court Building remains closed as of this writing.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were vaccinated against COVID-19
On January 9, 2021, Buckingham Palace released the news that Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip received their COVID-19 vaccinations (via BBC News). Which vaccine the sovereign and the Duke of Edinburgh received has not been reported, but according to a royal source, "the Queen decided to let it be known she had the vaccination to prevent further speculation."
On February 25, 2021, the queen spoke publicly about the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19, which she noted is "a bit like a plague." The occasion was a video call with U.K. health officials. "Once you've had the vaccine, you have a feeling of, you know, you're protected, which is I think very important," Her Majesty pointed out. "As far as I can make out it was quite harmless. It was very quick. I've had lots of letters from people who have been very surprised by how easy it was to get the vaccine." As for whether the vaccination, itself, caused any discomfort, the Queen noted that "it didn't hurt at all."
Oprah Winfrey felt like superwoman after receiving the vaccine
Well, it's official. In early spring 2021, the queen of all media, Oprah Winfrey, became one of the eight out of 100 people on the planet who has received a vaccine against COVID-19 (via The New York Times). On March 25, 67-year-old Winfrey took to her own website to offer a first-person account of how it felt, and how it feels, to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (via Oprah Daily).
Here's what the star had to say about it: "The first shot, I wanted to cry but didn't, just from the overwhelming sense of relief. ... After the second vaccination shot, I didn't feel well for about 30 hours. I had all the classic symptoms: fever, chills, lethargy. But it was such a small inconvenience to be protected against a virus that's killed so many." After all was said and done, Winfrey said she felt like "superwoman."
Martha Stewart waited in line with others in order to get vaccinated
As of February 2, 2021, legendary domestic perfectionist, rehabilitated felon, and FOS (Friend of Snoop), Martha Stewart had received both doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Martha Stewart website. "After receiving her first vaccine in early January, Martha was recently administered her second dosage ... at Mount Sinai Downtown in New York." Although Stewart prepared for side effects (including having the shot in her left arm due to her being right-handed), she reported having "no ill effects" after being fully vaccinated (via Instagram).
Stewart previously posted to Instagram following her first shot. "I was vaccinated today," she shared. "I am so proud of and grateful to the doctors, nurses and medical staff who are wading through the red tape and confusion of the distribution of these very important vaccines." She continued, writing, "Here's to the advancement of science and a heartfelt thanks to those working on the vaccines." Stewart also made it abundantly clear that she "waited in line with others" and did not cut ahead to receive the vaccine. She qualified due to her age, she revealed.
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are #VaccineGoals
Celebrity couple (#RelationshipGoals) Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively got their COVID-19 vaccines on March 31, 2021, according to E! Online. They took the opportunity to inject a bit of levity into the event.
First, the Deadpool star shared a photo of himself on Twitter wearing a pink knit-wool cap and a white t-shirt, with the caption "Finally got 5G." The caption is believed to be a sarcastic poke at "5G conspiracy theorists" who believe that "5G, the next generation of cellular infrastructure, produces harmful radiation that hurts human health" and is essentially the reason for the COVID-19 pandemic, per Insider. It may also take a swipe at conspiracy theorists who believe the vaccine is actually the government's way of injecting American citizens with a microchip in an effort to track them (via PolitiFact).
A few hours later, the Gossip Girl alum posted a photo on Instagram of her own vaccination, along with the caption, "Find you someone who looks at you like I look at the heroic nurse vaccinating me." We hope her husband gets the hint.
Rosario Dawson believes vaccines are the best weapon we have against COVID-19
Actress and philanthropist Rosario Dawson, who has been dating former presidential hopeful Cory Booker since 2018, received her COVID-19 vaccine in New Jersey at the Essex County College vaccination center on March 28, 2021. The star shared a triumphant photo-loop of herself flexing her bicep, which featured a Band-Aid, on Instagram.
"Thanks to County Executive Joe DiVincenzo for extending the invitation to have me here today," she wrote, before imploring people to trust the vaccine. "Science tells us that these vaccines are safe and effective at preventing COVID infection and serious illness," the actress stated, emphasizing that it's "the best weapon we have — along with mask-wearing, social distancing, hand-washing, and other measures recommended by the CDC and public health officials — to combat the deadly pandemic that has been ravaging our country and our communities for the past year." Many of the celeb's fans commented, sharing their congratulations and updates about their upcoming vaccinations.
Jessica Chastain believes the COVID-19 vaccine is so much more than just a shot in the arm
"My vaccine time has finally come," actress Jessica Chastain posted to Instagram on March 29, 2021. "This is so much more than just a shot in the arm," she remarked pointedly. "It's our way to fight back against COVID, protect ourselves and keep those around us safe and healthy." Like other celebs who've been vaccinated, Chastain gave props to science for coming as far as it has since the COVID-19 pandemic began. "I believe in science!" she announced. "If we listen to the experts, life as we knew it is just around the corner."
Chastain received her vaccination just in time to start filming The Good Nurse, which tells the true story of nurse Charlie Cullen, "who is widely believed to be the most prolific serial killer in recorded history" (via Deadline). The film, which is expected to premiere on Netflix in 2022, is slated to begin filming in Stamford, Connecticut in April 2021, according to Bronx News 12.
Dolly Parton wasn't a chicken about getting the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
On March 2, 2021, country music singer Dolly Parton was said to have gotten a "taste of her own medicine" when she received her first dose of the Moderna vaccine, the research for which "she helped fund," according to NPR.
In a video she recorded while waiting for her vaccine at Vanderbilt University, Parton told the word how excited she was to get the vaccine. "I'm old enough to get it, and I'm smart enough to get it," she pointed out. She continued, saying, "I wanted to tell everybody that you should get out there and do it too."
Illustrating how "dead serious" she is about wanting everyone to get vaccinated, Parton then broke into a song to the tune of "Jolene": "Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, I'm begging of you please don't hesitate / Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, 'cause once you're dead then that's a bit too late." Wouldn't it be a "shot in the arm" to get things back to normal, she joked. "To all the cowards out there, don't be such a chicken," she added.
Tyler Perry understands the healthy skepticism but advocates for the vaccine
Black Americans are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 (via CDC). However, in January 2021, one in three expressed hesitancy to get vaccinated against the virus, according to CBS This Morning. To help reassure the Black community to trust the vaccine and the science behind it, actor, filmmaker, and overall entertainment giant Tyler Perry not only got himself vaccinated but went on to help address what he called the Black community's "healthy skepticism."
"If you look at our history in this country, the Tuskegee experiment, Henrietta Lacks, and things like that, it raises flags for us as African American people," he told CBS This Morning. However, he went on to reassure Black Americans about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, including with a special he produced for BET, COVID-19 Vaccine and the Black Community: A Tyler Perry Special, which aired in late January.
"The half-hour special provides helpful and factual information for viewers looking to protect themselves and their families from this unprecedented crisis," according to BET. "Tackling issues head-on, Perry asks the hard-hitting questions to help the community gain insight into this new vaccine."
Kim Cattrall was thrilled to be able to get her COVID-19 vaccine
You won't find Kim Cattrall in the upcoming Sex and the City reboot, And Just Like That, but one place you could have been sure to find the British-born actress on March 10, 2021 was at a vaccine center in New York, where she, the actress who will always be remembered as Samantha Jones, was getting her first dose of the vaccine against COVID-19. Prior to that date, Cattrall had been just a hair under the age of eligibility for New York's initial batch of civilian vaccines (65). As soon as New York lowered the age of eligibility, Cattrall made her appointment and, just like that, she was among the vaccinated.
"They've expanded the vaccine eligibility age in New York!" Cattrall excitedly posted to Instagram, along with a photo of the moment she got the "jab" as the Brits say. "Made my [appointment] yesterday and got the shot this morning," she continued. "Good work NY!" Showing their love for the seemingly ageless beauty, one Instagram user replied, "I didn't know 30-year-olds could get their shots."
Yo-Yo Ma made beautiful music after getting vaccinated
"Those with a vaccination appointment at the Berkshire Community College field house got more than a jab on Saturday," according to The Berkshire Eagle, which covers news in and around the area of Massachusetts known as the Berkshires. "Yo-Yo Ma treated them to a concert while they served out the mandatory [post-vaccination] 15 minute waiting period."
The renowned cellist, 18-time Grammy award-winner, and part-time Berkshires resident "wanted to give something back" after receiving his second dose of the vaccine, Richard Hall of the Berkshire COVID-19 Vaccine Collaborative told the publication.
"Yo-Yo Ma took a seat along the wall of the observation area, masked and socially distanced away from the others," and proceeded to pass his own 15-minute waiting period by playing his cello, which he had brought with him. According to CBS News, Ma performed Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria" and the prelude to Bach's "Cello Suite No. 1," but not before asking for permission to do so. "Many people were moved to tears. It was an exceptional moment at the end of a long day of giving shots," said Jonah Sykes, associate director of marketing and communications at the community college.
After being vaccinated, former presidents got together to promote the COVID-19 vaccine
"Four presidents. Two political parties. One clear message: Get vaccinated when it's available to you," the White House tweeted on March 15, 2021, referring to a public service announcement showing all the living former presidents and first ladies — sans Donald and Melania Trump — urging Americans to do as they have done, which is get the vaccine when it became available to them. The video includes footage of Barack and Michelle Obama, George W. and Laura Bush, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter receiving their shots.
In another PSA, this one filmed at Arlington National Cemetery, former Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton offer strong arguments in favor of vaccination. "The science is clear," Bush explains. "These vaccines will protect you and those you love from this dangerous and deadly disease." "They could save your life," Clinton adds. "That's the first step to ending the pandemic and moving our country forward. It's up to you," Obama says.
Former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were quietly vaccinated in early 2021
Former President Donald Trump didn't publicize his vaccination, according to USA Today, but he did receive it. "An adviser tells me both Trump and Melania Trump got vaccinated at the White House in January," New York Times Washington correspondent Maggie Haberman tweeted. A Trump advisor confirmed as much to Axios in a March 1, 2021 report. The question presented itself because a week earlier at the 2021 Conservative Political Action Conference, Trump advised his audience to "go get your shot." At the time, the former president had not outed himself as having been vaccinated. He did, however, state that Joe Biden had.
On March 16, during an interview with Maria Bartiromo for Fox News, Trump recommended again that Americans get vaccinated (via Axios). More specifically, he said, "I would, I would recommend it. I would recommend it to a lot of people that don't want to get it, and a lot of those people voted for me."
This may have been in response to White House Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci's having publicly implored the former president to urge his supporters to get vaccinated. That being said, Trump noted that "we have our freedoms and we have to live by that and I agree with that also."