Elmo Gets His First COVID Vaccination Shot

variety.com:

Todd Spangler NY Digital EditorElmo just got a COVID-19 vaccine shot — in a new public service announcement from Sesame Workshop aimed at persuading human parents to get their young kids COVID shots, too.The beloved red Muppet is three-and-a-half-years-old, according to Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind “Sesame Street.” That means he recently became eligible for a COVID shot, now that the vaccines have been approved for children 5 and under.“Yeah, there was a little pinch.

But it was OK!” Elmo says in the spot, which also features his dad, Louie. (Watch the PSA below.)“Was it safe? Was it the right decision?” Louie says in the PSA. “I talked to our pediatrician so I could make the right choice.

I learned that Elmo getting vaccinated is the best way to keep himself, our friends, neighbors and everyone else healthy and enjoying the things they love.” Elmo’s shot comes after other “Sesame Street” characters have also gotten COVID vaccines.

In November, Big Bird — who is 6 years old — got a vaccine shot and was featured in a PSA. At the time, anti-vax conservatives accused Sesame Workshop of trying to “brainwash children” with the campaign.Sesame Workshop collaborated on the Elmo PSA with the Ad Council and COVID Collaborative’s COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative.