To Encourage Confidence, de Blasio Receives Live Vaccine

Mayor Bill de Blasio, newly eligible for the coronavirus vaccine, received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

As a city employee who works in person, de Blasio, like social workers and housing workers, is eligible for the vaccine.

“The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is safe and effective,” the mayor said at his press conference on Thursday. “The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is easier for our healthcare community to use because it requires less refrigeration. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine takes only one dose, and you’re done!”

Beaming, de Blasio pulled up his sleeve for New York City’s Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi to inject him.

“Doctor, you have to tell me when you’re giving me the shot,” he joked as Chokshi carefully disposed of used needle. “You really barely feel it.”

De Blasio showed off his official vaccination card to the cameras with a wide smile. “I’m one of the three million now,” he said, referring to the 3,077,585 doses administered in New York City.

“The best vaccine is the one you can get now,” he said, urging New Yorkers to apply for whatever vaccine is available to them. “It’s a great feeling to know you can be protected, protect your friends and family.”

To encourage confidence in all vaccines, city health officials all received different ones. Chokshi received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, senior public health adviser Dr. Jay Varma received the Moderna vaccine, and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals Dr. Mitchell Katz received the Pfizer vaccine, NBC 4 reported.

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smarcus@hamodia.com