January 9, 2021

United States Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Sharice Davids (D-KS) received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this week at the direction of the Office of the Attending Physician and to demonstrate the safety of the vaccine.

“At the direction of the Attending Physician of the U.S. Congress and to ensure the continuity of government and my ability to represent the people of Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, I was happy to receive my first dose of the FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine this afternoon with Representative Davids,” said Congressman Cleaver. “While I have waited weeks to receive my dose, as I believe I am no more important than any of my constituents, I recognize the importance of boosting the public’s confidence in the safety of this vaccine. I have always stated that we must follow the science in all matters, but especially when it comes to public health. I have the utmost faith in the American scientists and health professionals who concocted these vaccines in record time, and I believe they are the key to ending the COVID-19 crisis. In this moment, there is no greater act of patriotism or compassion for your fellow Americans than receiving this vaccine. As I push for quicker distribution to Missourians, I hope every American will take their turn to receive their shot so that we can end this national nightmare and return to normalcy.”

“Today Congressman Cleaver and I received the COVID-19 vaccine. I have full confidence in its safety and effectiveness—and it didn’t even hurt. It’s my hope that we can help reassure people in all communities – including communities of color – of the safety and importance of receiving the vaccine when it is made available to them. That is how we get on the other side of this pandemic and begin to heal as a country. We got the vaccine in accordance with government continuity guidelines and at the recommendation of the House Attending physician. However, it’s been incredibly frustrating to see delays in the distribution of these vaccines, particularly as we continue to fall behind the goals outlined by the Trump Administration. I will continue to push for the vaccines to be delivered in a fair, free and equitable manner to as many Americans as quickly as possible,” said Davids.

In accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the lawmakers will continue to wear masks, avoid large crowds, wash hands often, and practice social distancing to help stop the spread of COVID-19 until the CDC announces it is safe to do otherwise.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus.

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