Sesame Street’s Big Bird got COVID-19 vaxxed and a US senator is calling it ‘propaganda’
Sesame Street's Big Bird excitedly shared on Nov. 6 that he finally got his COVID-19 vaccine.
Days after the FDA approved the Pfizer vaccine for kids aged five to 11, the perpetually six-year-old Big Bird got his jab.
I got the COVID-19 vaccine today! My wing is feeling a little sore, but it'll give my body an extra protective boost that keeps me and others healthy.
Ms. @EricaRHill even said I’ve been getting vaccines since I was a little bird. I had no idea!— Big Bird (@BigBird) November 6, 2021
Parents replied to the beloved childhood character's tweet sharing how their kids got their COVID-19 shots while others cracked jokes about bird vaccine methodology and shared memes.
Yay Big Bird! My little guy got his first Covid shot yesterday! He told me the shot would send a message to his “moon system” (immune system ?) to create Covid fighters! Great job! ?
— LB (@LB110320) November 6, 2021
Girl u had to shave? Or they just made a part? https://t.co/eUjUTtsOrh
— #NUFRIDAY 11/12 (@earringdealer1) November 7, 2021
— David Hogg (@davidhogg111) November 7, 2021
Big Bird coming to vaccinate all your damn kids pic.twitter.com/PaQJzo2dne
— Ben Yahr (@benyahr) November 7, 2021
Aside from the positive responses, the tweet also sparked backlash among conservatives and anti-vaxxers. Most notably, US Senator Ted Cruz called it "government propaganda for your five-year-old."
In the past, however, Big Bird has always been pro-vaccine and encouraged kids to get their shots. Some adults even tweeted about remembering the yellow mascot's first vaccine statement in 1972.
Pretty sure I saw you get your first one. You’ve been setting an example for a long time pic.twitter.com/N5Qe4rbqDH
— Lance Ulanoff (@LanceUlanoff) November 7, 2021
Elmo, another Sesame Street character, also announced that he'll be getting his COVID-19 jab soon.
Elmo was so happy to talk to @DrSanjayGupta at the town hall today! Elmo learned that Elmo's friends can get the COVID-19 vaccine now, and soon Elmo can too!
— Elmo (@elmo) November 6, 2021
