The Sesame Street character Big Bird has sparked controversy by announcing he had been vaccinated against COVID-19 on Twitter. The move has ruffled the feathers of some conservatives who call it “propaganda”.
The eight-foot-two feathered yellow bird joined America’s five to 11-year olds late last month in becoming eligible for COVID-19 vaccination following the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine’s emergency use authorization from the FDA for that age group. The Centers for Disease Control last week expanded its vaccine recommendations to the roughly 28 million five- to 11-year olds in the U.S.
Many Twitter users thanked the character for setting a positive example for kids, while others were not as appreciative.
Fox News contributor Lisa Boothe accused the Muppet of “brainwashing children,” while Newsmax host Steve Cortes slammed the announcement as “evil” propaganda.
Both made false claims that children are not at risk of contracting COVID-19. While most children infected with the virus exhibit only mild symptoms, experts say vaccines can prevent many infections and hospitalizations.
Others pointed out this isn’t the first time Big Bird has gotten vaccinated. The muppet was also used in child immunization campaigns in the 1970s.
Reuters/Jane Rosenberg
AP Images
Envato
