Story at a glance
- Sens. Angus King (I-Maine), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) announced Thursday they tested positive for COVID-19.
- “While I am not feeling great, I’m definitely feeling much better than I would have without the vaccine,” King said.
- The breakthrough infections come as the Biden administration is recommending booster doses for individuals who were fully vaccinated early on in the vaccination rollout.
Three fully vaccinated senators have been infected with COVID-19 and are experiencing mild symptoms, becoming the latest members of the chamber to contract breakthrough infections.
Sens. Angus King (I-Maine), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) announced Thursday they tested positive for the coronavirus.
King said despite taking precautions to protect himself, such as wearing face masks and practicing social distancing, he still contracted the virus.
He praised the vaccine for preventing a possibly worse outcome.
“Despite all my efforts, when I began feeling mildly feverish yesterday, I took a test this morning at my doctor’s suggestion, and it came back positive. While I am not feeling great, I’m definitely feeling much better than I would have without the vaccine,” King said in a statement, adding that he’s now quarantining at home.
Wicker tested positive Thursday, as well, and his office said in a statement he is in good health and in isolation.
“Everyone with whom Senator Wicker has come in close contact recently has been notified,” his office said in a release.
Hickenlooper said he’s feeling better and thanked researchers who developed the crucial vaccine. He encouraged Americans to get vaccinated.
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“I’m grateful for the vaccine (and the scientists behind it) for limiting my symptoms and allowing us to continue our work for Colorado. If you haven’t been vaccinated, don’t wait for the virus — get the shot today, and a booster when it’s available too!” he said in a statement.
The breakthrough infections come as the Biden administration is recommending booster doses for individuals who were fully vaccinated early on in the vaccination rollout due to the prevalence of the highly infectious delta variant. Those groups include health care workers, nursing home residents and other vulnerable populations, including those over 60.
Recent studies suggest that while COVID-19 vaccines remain effective against severe disease, hospitalization and death, their protection wanes over time following the administration of the initial doses.
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