A year since the coronavirus pandemic began, some countries have already launched their vaccination campaigns to defend their citizens against the viral illness.
Here’s a list of some world leaders who have taken the initiative to get themselves vaccinated in a bid to increase confidence in vaccine’s safety.
U.S President Joe Biden
American President Joe Biden received his first dose of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech last December 21, 2020. He received the vaccine live on television.
"I'm doing this to demonstrate that people should be prepared when it's available to take the vaccine. There's nothing to worry about," he then said. On January 11, the 78-year-old president received his second dose of the coronavirus vaccine.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, 94, and her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip were vaccinated last January 9, according to a report from the BBC news.
The report stated that the Royals received their vaccine at Windsor Castle. It was not revealed what vaccine brand was administered to them.
Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
The Vatican News announced last January 14 that both Pope Francis, 84, and retired Pope Benedict XVI, 93, got their first doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
“I can confirm that as part of the vaccination program of the Vatican City State, as of today, the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine has been administered to Pope Francis and to the Pope Emeritus,” said the Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni.
Pope Francis said that vaccination is “an ethical action, because you are gambling with your health, you are gambling with your life, but you are also gambling with the lives of others.”
Indonesian President Joko Widodo
On January 13, Indonesian President Joko Widodo got vaccinated against the viral illness using the CoronaVac vaccine developed by China’s Sinovac Biotech. Widodo was inoculated at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, according to the report of the Associated Press (AP).
The Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine was approved for emergency use in Indonesia.
“We need to do the vaccination to stop the chain spread of COVID-19 and give health protection to us and the safety to all Indonesian people. It will also help accelerate economic improvement,” Widodo was quoted in the AP report.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong received his first shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine last January 8. He was able to complete the regimen after he got his second dose last January 29.
Lee encouraged his countrymen to get vaccinated as well to protect themselves against the viral disease.
“By getting vaccinated, you will protect yourself, and your family and friends too. Vaccination is safe and free. It is suitable for most adults. But it is especially important for seniors, because for an older person, COVID-19 can be a very serious and dangerous illness. I have already had my jab. I encourage you to get yours too,” said the 68-year-old Lee in a video message last January 27.