In a recent AAMCNews commentary about how to overcome vaccine hesitancy and resistance to medical advice in the Latinx population, Dr. Alicia Fernandez said, “Involving celebrities can’t hurt: one of my patients resisted my advice to start using insulin until she saw a program featuring Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who has used insulin since childhood.”
With that in mind, we collected examples of some of our favorite—and now strongly inoculated—celebrities who have been advocates of the COVID-19 vaccine. Spread the word!
- Tyler Perry produced a special about his own vaccine experience—and overcoming his initial skepticism—that has aired on BET. “COVID-19 Vaccine and the Black Community: A Tyler Perry Special”
- American treasure and recent Moderna investor Dolly Parton (hint: “vaccine” rhymes with “Joline” so you know where this is going - watch the video in the tweet below!)
- Comedian Steve Martin told fans: “Good news: I just got vaccinated! Bad news: I got it because I’m 75. Ha!”
- Fans of the show WandaVision—as well as fans of biomedical research generally—might be relieved to know that actor Randall Park is not only vaccinated but he volunteered for a clinical trial in September of 2020.
- Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness got his vaccine and encouraged other HIV+ people to do the same.
- Basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded a video of his vaccination that aired during NBA games on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Find more famous champions on these People Magazine and Vulture lists.
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Stephanie Weiner
Director, Digital Strategy & Engagement
Association of American Medical Colleges
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