Norton Visits D.C. Pharmacy with Vice President Harris to Highlight Importance, Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) visited a D.C. pharmacy this morning with Vice President Kamala Harris to highlight the importance, safety, and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. Norton said that while she understands the hesitancy that some communities, particularly communities of color, have about the vaccines, she has full confidence in the ones approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Norton completed her two-dose regimen of one of the vaccines several weeks ago.

"I am honored that Vice President Harris invited me to visit Giant Pharmacy in Southeast D.C. with her today," Norton said. "We toured the pharmacy and talked about the administration's Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination, which will ensure that the hardest-hit communities have access to the vaccines at pharmacies in their own neighborhoods. This is particularly important today, the day after D.C. hit the grim milestone of 1,000 lives lost to COVID-19, including D.C. Mayor Bowser's beloved sister.

"I received my first dose of the vaccine in December and my second in January and had no side effects. I'm confident in the safety and efficacy of the vaccines, which will play a vital role in reopening the District. Everyone should get vaccinated at their earliest opportunity. I'm particularly pleased that Vice President Harris chose to come to the largely African-American Ward 8 community. Having seen the federal vaccine program in action here with the Vice President this morning, I'm encouraged that we're on our way to 100% vaccinations in D.C."