New York Congressman Who Got Vaccine Diagnosed With Covid

(Bloomberg) -- Democratic Representative Adriano Espaillat of New York said he tested positive for Covid-19 after receiving the second dose of a vaccine, and is isolating at home.

“I received the second dose of the #COVID19vaccine last week and understand the affects take time,” Espaillat said on Twitter Thursday. “I have continued to be tested regularly, wear my mask and follow the recommended guidelines.”

Espaillat tested positive on Wednesday evening and is “feeling well and currently not experiencing any symptoms,” he said in an emailed statement. The lawmaker, whose 13th Congressional District includes Harlem, Washington Heights and northwest Bronx, said he received the first dose of the vaccine made by Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE last month. The other inoculation approved by the U.S. is made by Moderna Inc.

The Pfizer shot was made available to members of Congress last month and some, including Republican Representative Kay Granger of Texas, were diagnosed with Covid after getting the first of the two-dose regimen. Studies show the vaccines are fully effective at one to two weeks after the second dose, depending on the vaccine. While they prevent disease, it is not clear whether they prevent asymptomatic infection.

Espaillat -- who spoke on the House floor Wednesday and voted to impeach President Donald Trump -- said he’s been tested regularly including over the last two days as he’s traveled from New York to Washington.

Several House Democrats were diagnosed with Covid after they had to take shelter during last week’s attack on the Capitol. They have rebuked their Republican colleagues for not wearing masks and introduced rules to enforce face coverings.

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