Big Bird gets 'vaccinated,' sparks outrage

"Sesame Street" character Big Bird announced that he got the COVID-19 vaccine to encourage kids to take the vaccine as well. Big Bird tweeted that she was feeling great after getting the shot to alleviate the fear of the vaccine among children. "I got the COVID-19 vaccine today!" tweeted Big Bird. "My wing is feeling a little sore, but it'll give my body an extra protective boost that keeps me and others healthy." The "Sesame Street" character that has previously vouched for the measles vaccine, added, "I’ve been getting vaccines since I was a little bird. I had no idea!" Big Bird made the announcement in the wake of the decision of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to authorize the Pfizer vaccine for kids between the ages 5 to 11, reported Good Morning America.  

President Biden replied to Big Bird, writing, "Good on ya, @BigBird. Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep your whole neighborhood safe." Big Bird is technically six years old, making him eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. The government has already started administering children with shots. Big Bird has historically championed vaccine PSAs and in 1972, the giant yellow canary vouched for the measles vaccine.

Conservatives slammed the "Sesame Street" character, with some even branding him "communist" for getting a vaccine. Senator Ted Cruz called it "government propaganda" while Fox News contributor Lisa Boothe accused the Muppet of "brainwashing children," reported NPR. Newsmax host and former Trump adviser Steve Cortes labeled the tweet "evil" propaganda. Lavern Spicer, a Congressional candidate in Florida, wrote: "Big Bird & Elmo are at least a step UP from [Dr. Anthony] Fauci, but using them to push the drug is just as reprehensible nonetheless." While Big Bird was the target of the conservatives, Rosita, the turquoise bilingual muppet also got vaccinated recently. The pair had also appeared on CNN over the weekend to talk about getting the vaccine.

Dr. Tara C. Smith pointed out that even the Star Wars characters had encouraged vaccination in the 70s. “Man, wait until antivax politicians find out about how R2-D2 and C-3PO tried to encourage vaccination… in 1978," wrote Dr. Tara C. Smith. "Almost like this isn’t a new thing and programs that cater to kids want to keep them safe and healthy.” Dr. Smith also shared a poster that urged parents to call the doctor and get their kids vaccinated, adding “and may the Force be with you.” Star Wars legend Mark Hamill retweeted the same and commented, "A long time ago, before science was politicized.”

First Lady Jill Biden has urged parents to get their kids vaccinated. “This is the best way to protect your children against COVID-19,” said Jill Biden, reported Yahoo News. “It’s been thoroughly reviewed and rigorously tested. It’s safe. It’s free. And it’s available for every child in this country 5 and up.” She called on parents to vaccinate their kids. “Parenthood and worrying go hand in hand. It’s just what we do as parents,” the First Lady continued. “So I can’t promise you that the dangers of this world will become any less frightening — I mean, just wait until your kids start driving. But with this vaccine, we can take away at least one of your worries. A big one.”

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