Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (OH-02) received his first of two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the U.S. Capitol through the Office of the Attending Physician.

“After the incredibly challenging year we’ve had, I feel very blessed to receive this vaccine. I hope that my decision to get it gives my constituents confidence in the safety and efficacy that have been demonstrated in the extensive trails,” said Congressman Wenstrup. “Taking the vaccine will help protect our community, help end the pandemic, restore our way of life, and rebuild the economy. I urge everyone to learn the facts about this vaccine, consult with their doctor, and make the decision that is best for them.”

He also added, “I’m extremely grateful to the doctors, scientists, researchers, and manufacturers who worked around the clock to develop and produce this vaccine in record time. I commend President Trump, Vice President Pence, Secretary Azar, Dr. Moncef Slaoui, General Gustave Perna, the Operation Warp Speed team, and the thousands of clinical trial participants for their leadership on this endeavor, which will go down as one of the greatest medical feats in history.”

About the Pfizer vaccine:

The Pfizer vaccine is administered in two doses roughly 21 days apart. It is stored in temperatures of negative 94 degrees Fahrenheit and has demonstrated 95 percent efficacy in clinical trials.

The company received $1.95 billion from Operation Warp Speed to manufacture 100 million doses.

Background on the Availability of Pfizer/BioNTech COVID19 Vaccine for US Congress Continuity of Government Purpose from the Office of the Attending Physician:

“The Food and Drug Administration granted an Emergency Use Authorization to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID19 vaccine on December 12, 2020.  I have been notified by the National Security Council that consistent with Presidential Policy Directive 40 (2016), Congress and the Supreme Court, along with Executive Branch agencies, will be provided with a specific number of COVID19 vaccine doses to meet long-standing requirements for continuity of government operations. These requirements are focused on essential operations and personnel.  PPD-40 establishes continuity requirements for the Federal Government and states that continuity actions for the Executive Branch should be undertaken in parallel with the Legislative and Judicial branches of government. The small number of COVID19 vaccine doses we will be provided reflects a fraction of the first tranche of vaccines as it is distributed throughout the country.

The following are some questions and answer format that may be helpful to inform your individual judgment about participating in this voluntary vaccination.  My recommendation to you is absolutely unequivocal: there is no reason why you should defer receiving this vaccine.  The benefit far exceeds any small risk.”