Science and Sesame Street have collided in a recent childhood vaccination PSA targeted to kids and adults alike. The U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, teamed up with Elmo to discuss the importance of vaccinations for children in a video released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The video begins with Murthy discussing why vaccines are necessary and the health benefits that go along with them, Huffington Post reports. He compares a vaccination to “using an umbrella when it rains,” showing that just as you would use an umbrella to stay dry, you use vaccines to stay healthy.
He then discusses the best way to take your mind off the quick needle prick that most children are afraid of when it comes to vaccinations: “How about this, turn around and sing a little song,” he explains to the worried character. Elmo then goes on to enthusiastically sing “Shake It Off” by none other than Taylor Swift, not even realizing the life-saving needle prick has ended.
At the end of the video, Elmo sides with the doctor on his view of vaccinations. “Boy, that was so easy! Why doesn’t everybody get a vaccination?” Elmo wonders. “That’s a good question, Elmo, that’s a good question,” Murthy replies while stroking his chin, clearly targeting those against vaccinating children.
The debate over vaccinations has been an issue for quite some time. Most recently, Australia cut funding in the form of welfare payments and childcare rebates to parents who refuse to vaccinate their child. Even notable celebrities such as Kristin Cavallari and Jenny McCarthy have been extremely outspoken in their views of vaccination. With many anti-vax celebrities speaking out about their decisions, it’s good to see such a high-ranking, certified doctor dismiss their opinion in a straight-forward PSA. Moral of the story: The U.S. Surgeon General wants you get your kid vaccinated. A medical opinion couldn’t get more official than that, folks.
Check out the full video below:
