Texas Senator Ted Cruz attacked Sesame Street on social media after the PBS mainstay released a public service announcement encouraging parents to get their children under 5-years-old vaccinated.
In a PSA released on Sesame Street’s official Twitter account on Tuesday, beloved three-year-old muppet Elmo had just received a COVID-19 vaccination alongside his father, Louie.
“I had a lot of questions about Elmo getting the COVID vaccine. Was it safe? Was it the right decision?” Louie told parents. “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.”
“It’s okay to have questions about COVID-19 vaccines for children! Elmo’s dad Louie talked to their pediatrician, and learned that Elmo getting vaccinated is the best way to keep him and his whole neighborhood safe and healthy!” The post’s caption read, along with the hashtag #CaringForEachOther.
Thanks, @sesamestreet for saying parents are allowed to have questions!
You then have @elmo aggressively advocate for vaccinating children UNDER 5.
But you cite ZERO scientific evidence for this. Learn more:https://t.co/Ss20TmFTSB https://t.co/tr67QyfRyC
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) June 28, 2022
The Republican senator, who has a long-standing feud with the children’s show over COVID vaccinations, snapped back about the video’s messaging on Twitter.
“Thanks, @sesamestreet for saying parents are allowed to have questions! You then have @elmo aggressively advocate for vaccinating children UNDER 5,” he shared. “But you cite ZERO scientific evidence for this.”
Cruz pointed followers towards his website to “learn more” about a letter he and other GOP lawmakers wrote earlier this month questioning the FDA’s approval of the vaccine for use in children under five.
The Texas senator also tangled with the makers of Sesame Street in November, when the show’s main character, Big Bird, announced his vaccination status in a tweet.
Government propaganda…for your 5 year old! https://t.co/lKUlomnpq1
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) November 6, 2021
“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,” the character’s account tweeted. “ Ms.
@EricaRHill even said I’ve been getting vaccines since I was a little bird. I had no idea!”
“Government propaganda…for your 5 year old!” Cruz shot back
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