An Arizona state lawmaker revealed on Tuesday he tested positive for COVID-19 after being vaccinated against the virus.
Democratic state Sen. Tony Navarrete issued a press release saying he tested positive after conducting a rapid test and a PCR test last week. Navarrete is isolating at home and is experiencing mild symptoms, according to the press release, which also noted the legislator received his final vaccine shot in February.
“COVID-19 cases are once surging in Arizona and across the country and we need to be vigilant,” Navarrete said. “Thankfully with the vaccine, my diagnosis is not a death sentence, but an uncomfortable inconvenience. I know that people are tired and frustrated, but it’s time to mask up again. The best defense is getting the vaccine and masking up in public, crowded spaces.”
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The announcement is similar to one from South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, who revealed on Monday he tested positive for COVID-19 and expressed relief he was vaccinated, noting he would have expected his condition to be far worse than the mild symptoms he described.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says vaccines are key to controlling the coronavirus pandemic and stressed infections among fully vaccinated people, called breakthrough cases, are expected.
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“COVID-19 vaccines are effective and are a critical tool to bring the pandemic under control. However, no vaccines are 100% effective at preventing illness in vaccinated people. There will be a small percentage of fully vaccinated people who still get sick, are hospitalized, or die from COVID-19,” the CDC states on its website.
More than 165 million people have been fully vaccinated in the United States, which is just under half the population, according to data compiled by the CDC. More than 192 million, or roughly 58% of the population, have received at least one dose.
