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North Coast Rep. Jared Huffman received the COVID-19 vaccine today based on the advise of the House doctor, and reported in a press release that "it was not painful" and he didn't receive any side effects.

“I strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as it’s available," he said in the release. "The path to our recovery from this pandemic depends on a speedy and successful vaccine distribution, and on all of us continuing to stay safe by following public health guidance to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Following Public Health advice, I will also continue to wear a mask and socially distance even after receiving the vaccine."


The first shipment of Pfizer vaccines, meanwhile, arrived on the North Coast this week, with 975 doses delivered to Humboldt County, where they have begun to be administered to those in the state's first distribution tier, namely front-line healthcare workers with an elevated risk of COVID-19 exposure.

There has been some controversy surrounding members of Congress receiving the vaccination before healthcare workers and those in high-risk settings, like skilled nursing facilities, which Huffman said in a Facebook post gave him pause, as he didn't want to be seen as getting "special treatment or 'cutting in line.'" But Huffman said he decided to get the vaccine based on the recommendation of the Attending Physician in Congress, who told members: "My recommendation to you is absolutely unequivocal: There is no reason why you should defer receiving this vaccine." Huffman also said he's concerned about the continuity of government in the weeks ahead, noting a number of "critical floor sessions" in the coming weeks, including certification of the Electoral College vote, and wanted to "demystify" the vaccination process and encourage others to get their shots.



The release also notes that more than 100 members of Congress have been forced to quarantine after coming into contact with someone with COVID-19 or testing positive for the disease, and Huffman also noted getting members of Congress vaccinated will help ensure the continuity of governance.

"I am grateful to the Capitol physician’s office for making this vaccine available to address the continuity of our government, and grateful to the scientists and researchers who made this vaccine possible," he said. "This weekend, as I stay at the Capitol, I will be fighting for more funding for vaccination distribution, for direct payments to Americans who are suffering, and for far more support for families, employers, and state and local governments. We have a lot of work to do to make sure all Americans can be quickly and safely vaccinated, and to keep everyone safe until we are through this pandemic.”

See the full release from Huffman's office copied below:

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) issued the following statement after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine:

“Based on the recommendations and direction of the House Attending Physician, I received the vaccine for COVID-19 today. I’m happy to report that it was not painful, and I did not experience any side effects,” said Rep. Huffman. “I strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as it’s available. The path to our recovery from this pandemic depends on a speedy and successful vaccine distribution, and on all of us continuing to stay safe by following public health guidance to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Following Public Health advice, I will also continue to wear a mask and socially distance even after receiving the vaccine. I am grateful to the Capitol physician’s office for making this vaccine available to address the continuity of our government, and grateful to the scientists and researchers who made this vaccine possible. This weekend, as I stay at the Capitol, I will be fighting for more funding for vaccination distribution, for direct payments to Americans who are suffering, and for far more support for families, employers, and state and local governments. We have a lot of work to do to make sure all Americans can be quickly and safely vaccinated, and to keep everyone safe until we are through this pandemic,” Huffman concluded.

According to government continuity guidelines, Congressional Leadership has been informed by the Office of the Attending Physician that Members of the House and Senate should receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The Attending Physician further stated to Members “My recommendation to you is absolutely unequivocal: there is no reason why you should defer receiving this vaccine.”

There are currently over 100 Members of Congress who are or have been quarantined, tested positive for COVID-19, or came in contact with someone with COVID-19.

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