Anthony Fauci, United States’ top infectious disease scientist, received COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday at a live-streamed event at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), reported AFP. Along with him, other senior officials and six health workers received their doses.

79-year-old Fauci said he took the shot “as a symbol to the rest of the country that I feel extreme confidence in the safety and the efficacy of this vaccine.”

“I want to encourage everyone who has the opportunity to get vaccinated so that we could have a veil of protection over this country, that would end this pandemic,” he added.

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He then gave a thumbs-up and clapped for his colleagues as he left the stage of an auditorium at the NIH’s headquarters in Bethesda, a Washington suburb.

Fauci is among the first few Americans to receive the vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which he has directed since 1984.

The six health workers, who received their shots before Fauci, appeared emotional as they were asked to explain why they chose to be vaccinated.

“I work directly with a colon patient so I felt I have an opportunity, why not,” said nurse Naomi Richardson.

It comes as a new poll showed Americans’ willingness to take a coronavirus vaccine has jumped since the first two were authorised.