SALT LAKE CITY — President Russell M. Nelson along with seven other top leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday morning.
In Utah, where the leaders received the vaccine, those 70 and older will be eligible for the vaccine starting this week. Leaders who don’t meet the age requirement have not yet been vaccinated, church officials said.
“ We are grateful for the countless people who have done the work it took to make this possible, ” President Nelson, who is 96, wrote in a tweet. “We have prayed for this literal gift of God. Receiving the vaccine is part of our personal effort to be good citizens of the world.”
President Nelson’s wife Wendy was also vaccinated along with the entire First Presidency and several members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
In all, President Dallin H. Oaks and his wife, Kristen, were given the vaccine along with President Henry B. Eyring (87); President M. Russell Ballard, p. 92; Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (80) and wife Patricia; Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 80, and his wife, Harriet; Elder Quentin L. Cook, 80, and his wife, Mary; Elder D. Todd Christofferson, 75, and his wife, Kathy.
“I’m glad it’s our turn to get this vaccination,” President Oaks said in a statement Tuesday morning. “We are hopeful that the general vaccination of the population will help us deal with this terrible pandemic. It is hopeful, as is the light at the end of the tunnel. There is relief and appreciation for those who have the vaccine. invented and for those who have made it widely available on a sensible priority system. “
To date, three members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church have tested positive for the new coronavirus: Elder Gerrit W. Gong, 67, and his wife, Susan, in October; Elder Dale G. Renlund, 68, and his wife, Ruth, early December; and most recently Elder Ulisses Soares, 62, and his wife Rosana.
All three elderly people and their wives have since recovered from the virus. According to Utah’s roll-out plan for vaccination, anyone who has tested positive for the virus cannot receive the vaccine within 90 days of their infection.
Historically, the Church has supported vaccinations and talked about the importance of immunization.
In 1978 the First Presidency urged members to protect children through vaccinations, and in recent years the humanitarian arm of the Church has funded projects to deliver vaccines around the world.
Since 2002, according to church officials, Latter-day Saint Charities has funded 168 projects in 46 countries to provide assistance to approximately 116,819,870 people.
Wendy and I were vaccinated against COVID-19 today. We are grateful to the countless individuals who have done the work it took to make this happen. We have prayed for this literal godsend. Getting the vaccine is part of our personal effort to be good citizens of the world. pic.twitter.com/oZw5EgzkjQ
– Russell M. Nelson (@NelsonRussellM) January 19, 2021
Also on Tuesday, the First Presidency issued a statement discussing the importance of immunization against preventable diseases, encouraging members to make an injection as soon as they qualify.
The full statement reads:
In word and deed, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has supported vaccinations for generations. As a prominent part of our humanitarian efforts, the Church has funded, distributed, and administered life-saving vaccines around the world. Vaccinations have helped curb or eliminate devastating communicable diseases such as polio, diphtheria, tetanus, smallpox and measles. Vaccinations administered by skilled medical professionals protect health and preserve life.
As this pandemic spread around the world, the Church immediately canceled meetings, closed temples, and restricted other activities because of our desire to be good citizens of the world and to do our part in the fight against the pandemic.
Now, COVID-19 vaccines are being developed for which many have worked, prayed, fasted, and some are being provided. According to guidelines from local health officials, vaccinations were first offered to health professionals, first responders, and other high-priority recipients. Due to their age, senior church leaders welcome over 70 now the possibility to get vaccinated.
When appropriate opportunities arise, the Church urges its members, associates, and missionaries to be good citizens of the world and help fight the pandemic by protecting themselves and others through immunization. Individuals are responsible for making their own vaccination decisions. we recommend that, where possible, they consult with a competent medical professional about their personal circumstances and needs. “
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Lauren Bennett