Elmo, 3, joins youngest Americans in getting vaccinated

Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. pinch / pɪntʃ / (n.) – a sharp, painful feeling from squeezing skin with one’s thumb and finger
    Example:

    My little brother gave me a pinch on the cheek to wake me up.


  2. pediatrician / ˌpi di əˈtrɪʃ ən, / (n.) – a medical doctor who has special training in treating children
    Example:

    My son and I went to a pediatrician today for his regular checkup.


  3. eligible / ˈɛl ɪ dʒə bəl / (adj.) – having qualities or meeting requirements that allow someone to do something
    Example:

    Kristine is eligible for a college scholarship because she maintained good grades in high school.


  4. propaganda / ˌprɒp əˈgæn də / (n.) – information, images, statements, or ideas that are often false and are meant to influence people to support a certain cause or political leader
    Example:

    Some politicians spread propaganda against other candidates to get more votes.


  5. reinfection / ˌri ɪnˈfɛk ʃən / (n.) – an infection that occurs again from the same cause after recovery from a previous infection
    Example:

    Some people who get measles develop immunity to it, so they’re no longer at risk of any reinfection.


Article

Read the text below.

Elmo got a COVID-19 vaccine according to Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind “Sesame Street.”


In a public service announcement posted to YouTube, the beloved 3-and-a-half-year-old “Sesame Street” star talked with his dad about what it was like to get the shot.


“There was a little pinch, but it was OK,” Elmo said in the video.


Elmo’s dad said he had a lot of questions for the pediatrician, who assured him that vaccinations are safe and effective for children.


“Was it safe? Was it the right decision? I talked to our pediatrician so I could make the right choice,” Louie said in the PSA. “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.”


COVID-19 vaccinations for the youngest Americans started last week. That means U.S. kids under 5 — roughly 18 million youngsters — are eligible for the shots.


U.S. regulators authorized shots from Moderna and Pfizer. The Moderna vaccine is two doses and the Pfizer shot is three.


Last November, Big Bird got vaccinated — sparking criticism from some conservative politicians. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican, called it “government propaganda.”


The CDC advises vaccination even for those who already had COVID-19 to protect against reinfection, and says it is OK to get other vaccines at the same time.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Do you think public service announcements using popular characters like Elmo is an effective way to make children understand how vaccines work? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Some conservative politicians reacted to the vaccination of another Sesame Street character, Big Bird, and called it “government propaganda.” Why do you think they reacted this way? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • If you were a parent, what would you ask your child’s pediatrician about the COVID-19 vaccine? Discuss.
  • What is your opinion on giving vaccines to children? Discuss.