A US politician has kicked off with a Sesame Street character, and it's not even for the first time.
US Senator Ted Cruz has fallen out with children's character Elmo after the popular TV programme Sesame Street featured a Covid-19 vaccine.
The episode that riled Senator Cruz showed the iconic furry red Sesame Street character receiving his jab. As he got the vaccine injection, he said he felt, 'a little pinch, but it was okay'.
His proud Muppet father praised Elmo, who wore a green bandage on his arm, saying he was 'super-duper' while getting the jab.
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In the episode, Elmo’s dad Louie said: “I had a lot of questions about Elmo getting the Covid vaccine. Was it safe? Was it the right decision? I talked to our pediatrician so I could make the right choice.
"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," he concludes, then giving Elmo a hug.”
After the episode aired, Senator Cruz questioned: "Thanks Sesame Street for saying parents are allowed to have questions! You then have Elmo aggressively advocate for vaccinating children UNDER 5. But you cite ZERO scientific evidence for this.”
The US politician then directed his Twitter followers to 'learn more' and directed them towards an article about how he and other Republicans are seeking more answers from the government on the authorisation of the vaccines for children aged five and younger.
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Cruz’s reaction sparked comments from other Twitter users, many of whom thought Cruz’s reaction was over the top: ”I'm here for the right-wing meltdown because a puppet got vaccinated."
Another user shared: “Last time I looked, Sesame Street was an amazing educational program for children, not a newspaper or scientific journal they need to cite its sources.”
A third added: “Uh...what "scientific evidence" were you expecting in a show aimed at 3-6 y/os? Especially since it says 1. Consult a doc with questions and 2. Go here with questions and 3. VRBPAC/ACIP meetings are on YouTube, for the super nerdy.”
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The Sesame Street episode aired just weeks after the Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use of the coronavirus vaccine to children aged five and under. Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organisation behind Sesame Street, announced in a statement on Tuesday, 28 June, that the public service advertisement was produced in partnership with the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
This isn’t the first time that Senator Cruz has taken issue with Sesame Street. Last year, Cruz fell out with another iconic character in Big Bird, as he accused the giant yellow character of spreading government propaganda.
If you’ve been affected by coronavirus and want up to date advice, visit the Gov.uk help page here. If you need medical help call NHS 111 or visit online
Niamh Spence