The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has already given the green light for children ages 5 to 11 to get a COVID-19 vaccine. In line with this, Sesame Street’s Big Bird tweeted about his vaccination to encourage children across America to follow suit.
Caring For Each Other
The gentle giant known for his kindness and compassion encourages youngsters to get vaccinated. “I got the COVID-19 vaccine today! My wing is feeling a little sore, but I’ll give my body an extra protective boost that keeps me and others healthy,” the friendly yellow canary tweeted.
Twitter users, including President Joe Biden and CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Wilensky, lauded the character’s efforts to educate others and be a positive example for children. “Good on ya, @BigBird. Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep your whole neighborhood safe,” said the U.S. President. Another user chimed in and pointed out how he has always been “on the right side of history (and humanity).”
Good on ya, @BigBird. Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep your whole neighborhood safe.
— President Biden (@POTUS) November 8, 2021
Evil Propaganda for Children?
However, not everyone appreciated the message, and they candidly shared their thoughts on the matter. Senator Ted Cruz called out the tweet and referred to it as “Government propaganda…for your 5-year-old!” Newsmax presenter and former Trump adviser Steve Cortes criticized the news as “evil” propaganda, while Fox News contributor Lisa Booth decried how the beloved character was “brainwashing children.”
Big Bird also mentioned in his tweet that this isn’t the first time he’s getting jabbed. “Ms. @EricaRHill even said I’ve been getting vaccines since I was a little bird. I had no idea!” it read. According to Muppet Wiki, Big Bird got vaccinated against measles in a 1972 episode of Sesame Street.
Big Bird may have just received his COVID-19 vaccine, but as many of you pointed out, he was learning how to keep himself and his neighbors healthy long before that! Watch as Dr. Marzullo teaches @BigBird about vaccines and administers his measles shot back in 1972. pic.twitter.com/voDs8x5vvt
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) November 8, 2021
The yellow fellow is not the only resident who received the COVID-19 vaccine. Rosita, the bilingual turquoise, also recently got her inoculated. Over the weekend, the two guested on CNN with Granny Bird to share their experiences and recommendations for getting the shot.