Montana U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced that he participated in a COVID-19 vaccine trial. The trail was issued by Pfizer, who reported that their vaccine has been 95% effective and that they will be seeking FDA emergency use authorization in the coming days.

“Back in August, I got a call from my mom telling me how Pfizer was looking for people to enroll in their COVID-19 vaccine trial right in my hometown of Bozeman," Daines said. "Thanks to that call, my sweet wife Cindy and I decided to go online and enroll in the trial – joining over one hundred everyday Montanans participating. While this was a blind trial, I have since tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies."

Daines, who didn't have COVID before beginning the vaccine trail, tested positive for antibodies after, indicating that the vaccine was successful.

According to Daines, his motivation is participating in the trail was to help build confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine. Once the vaccine is being distributed, Daines said that he does not believe in mandating it. "I trust Montanans to make the decision for themselves, use commonsense and practice personal responsibility," Daines said in a statement. "While we wait for a final vaccine approval, we must remain smart, protect the most vulnerable in our communities, and be responsible.”

The Montana senator helped the Trump administration secure $10 billion in funding through the CARES Act for the development and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments under Operation Warp Speed.

Here is Senator Daine's complete statement below.

“My goal is to help build confidence and trust for Montanans and the American people wondering if they should take the vaccine when it is approved. This is about saving lives. This is about supporting our healthcare heroes. This is about protecting Montana jobs & workers and rebuilding our economy. This is about American exceptionalism and innovation. This is about restoring hope. This is about restoring normalcy into our way of life.

“Since the start of the pandemic, I’ve made the research, development and manufacturing of a COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutic drugs a top priority because I believe in order to get back to normal, we need a safe and effective vaccine. That’s why I worked hand in hand with our nation’s top scientists, researchers and American innovators to discuss what was needed to get a vaccine into the hands of the American people as safely and quickly as possible, including securing an initial $10 billion to move forward with dual tracking of clinical trials and manufacturing, known as Operation Warp Speed.

“While I believe a vaccine is key to getting back to normal, I do not believe in mandating it. I would, however, encourage people to get the vaccine once approved, in consultation with their doctor. I trust Montanans to make the decision for themselves, use commonsense and practice personal responsibility. While we wait for a final vaccine approval, we must remain smart, protect the most vulnerable in our communities, and be responsible.”

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