These Celebrities Share Why They're Getting Vaccinated

Al Roker, 66

"Why am I getting vaccinated? Well, I want to make sure I stay healthy, because I want to make sure I protect my family and my friends and my coworkers. Because we're all in this together. If we don't take care of each other, there's no point in going on. And once I get vaccinated, I am still wearing a mask. Are you?"

Hoda Kotb, 56

"This is who I'm getting vaccinated for when it's my turn: First, for my mother, who's in her 80s; for my fiancé, Joel [Schiffman]; for my two children [Haley, 3, and Hope, 1]. And for every single person who I pass by, who I walk by and who I see. So I am getting vaccinated not only for my family, but for yours too."

Martha Stewart, 79

"I was grateful to receive the initial shot of the vaccine last week. I'd been patiently waiting, along with many others, until my age group was approved. I wholeheartedly support the medical community, who worked at lightning speed to create the vaccines, and I encourage everyone to help stop the spread."

RELATED PHOTOS: See more celebrities getting their Coronavirus vaccines

Jane Seymour, 69

"I'm about to turn 70, and my family wants me to stick around, so I know I should do everything I possibly can. I also want to protect others. I've been involved with the American Red Cross for many years, helping vaccinate for measles in third world countries, so I know how powerful vaccines can be."

Josh Gad, 39

"I'd love to get back to life again. I can't wait to travel with my family [once I get the vaccine]. I'd love to see my kids socialize at school again, and to get together with friends. In the past year I've learned a lot about balance. With that lesson in place, I'd like to give life another chance—and go to a movie without fearing for my life."

Carey Mulligan, 35

"Do you know what I miss? I want to go and sit in my friend's kitchen and drink coffee. That's all I want to do. I don't really go to restaurants or bars, so that's what I miss—going to friends' houses, hanging out on the sofa, hugging their kids. As soon as I am able to get the vaccine, I'll go visit my friends and hug everyone."

Before being released to the public, vaccine-makers went through large, lengthy clinical trials to ensure that their product is completely safe. On Sept. 8, nine of the leading vaccine makers — including Pfizer and Moderna — signed a pledge vowing to follow "high ethical standards" and not rush a vaccine into production before it is proven to work.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, 88

Last December Dr. Anthony Fauci told People, "We can turn this around, but it's going to take a combination of vaccines plus continued public health measures [like wearing masks and social distancing]. Both are absolutely essential." Now, as vaccine roll-out ramps up across the country, Dr. Fauci weighs in on this critical step in the process.

"I got vaccinated for two reasons: First, I am an attending physician at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, so it is important for my patient care duties. Second, and perhaps as important, I wanted to demonstrate to the public my complete confidence in the safety and efficacy of the FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines, and by doing so, encourage everyone who has the opportunity to get vaccinated, so we can build a veil of protection over this country that will end this pandemic."

As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from the CDC, WHO and local public health departments. PEOPLE has partnered with GoFundMe to raise money for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, a GoFundMe.org fundraiser to support everything from frontline responders to families in need, as well as organizations helping communities. For more information or to donate, click here.

Source: Read Full Article