Sesame Street's Big Bird character on Saturday announced that he had received the COVID-19 vaccine, NBC News reported.
In a November 6 tweet, Big Bird wrote: "I got the COVID-19 vaccine today! My wing is feeling a little sore, but it'll give my body an extra protective boost that keeps me and others healthy. Ms. Erica R Hill even said I’ve been getting vaccines since I was a little bird. I had no idea!"
Big Bird is portrayed in Sesame Street as a six-year-old, eight feet and two inches tall. In the past, Sesame Street has included vaccine education in its programming: In 1972, Big Bird urged children to get the measles vaccine.
As a six-year-old, however, Big Bird only recently became eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine.
"Sesame Street" has been addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and proper health precautions since the pandemic began, NBC News added.
US President Joe Biden responded by tweeting, "Good on ya, Big Bird. Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep your whole neighborhood safe."
Not everyone took the news of Big BIrd's vaccination well: Texas Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican, responded, "Government propaganda…for your 5 year old!"
Steve Cortes, a Newsmax host, wrote: "This kind of propaganda is actually evil. Your children are not statistically at risk, and should not be pressured into a brand new treatment. Do Not Comply!"
And Fox News' Lisa Boothe responded by writing, "Brainwashing children who are not at risk from COVID. Twisted."