U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this week, according to a press release from his office.
Last month it was announced Padilla would be California's state senator filling in the vacancy left by Harris.
Padilla, and Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock were all sworn into office by Vice President Kamala Harris this week.
“Upon the advice of the Capitol physician, I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine just yesterday. It's how I'm going to be able to continue to do my work safely here in the Capitol. And I want to encourage you, as soon as you are able, to get the vaccine as well. It's what we're all going to need to do to get through this pandemic and protect our health, our families, our neighbors, our communities, and our co-workers," he said in the press release.
“In the meantime, please know that I am working with President Biden and his new administration, Governor Newsom, and other state leaders to distribute these vaccines as quickly and equitably as possible. In the meantime, please keep wearing your mask, washing your hands, social distancing, and hang in there," he went on to say in the press release.