# Are Celebrity Endorsements Helping the COVID-19 Vaccine?

- Link: https://chatterblast.com/blog/are-celebrity-endorsements-helping-the-covid-19-vaccine/
- Published: 2021-04-14T20:25:49-04:00
- Author: chatterblastteam

It seems like everybody who’s anybody is getting their **COVID-19 vaccine** these
days. I mean, did you really get vaccinated if you didn’t [post your card](https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/18/tech/vaccine-cards-sharing-online/index.html)
on your Instagram story as proof? And while it’s becoming much easier to snag an
appointment as time goes by, there are still tons of people lurking on social media
wondering, “How did that person manage to get their vaccine before me?”

These types of questions came to a head when select celebrities became among the
first to receive their shots in the early days of the vaccine. Folks like **Arnold
Schwarzenegger**, **Martha Stewart**, and **Tony Bennett** boasted their vaccinations
on their social channels and received mixed reactions. Many wondered if these big
names were receiving special treatment considering there are so many essential workers
who may need the vaccine more than someone who has enough money to stay at home 
all day.

> Today was a good day. I have never been happier to wait in a line. If you’re eligible,
> join me and sign up to get your vaccine. Come with me if you want to live! [pic.twitter.com/xJi86qQNcm](https://t.co/xJi86qQNcm)
> — Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) [January 20, 2021](https://twitter.com/Schwarzenegger/status/1351973032953188352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Some of these stars were quick to [defend themselves](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/martha-stewart-denies-she-jumped-the-line-to-get-covid-19-vaccine/),
pointing out that their age or other health reasons made them eligible just like
others during that phase. And while it is completely fair that some people felt 
like they were being pushed to the back of the line when they may need the vaccine
more than someone else, most quickly realized [celebrities weren’t the problem](https://whyy.org/articles/why-cant-i-get-a-covid-vaccine-appointment-my-name-is-on-a-list/).

[[

Since most areas of the country have opened vaccine eligibility beyond essential
workers and those who are immunocompromised, other celebrities like **Britney Spears**,**
Mariah Carey**, and **Ryan Reynolds** have chosen to receive their shots and record
it on social media. And most have received overwhelmingly positive responses for
their efforts to normalize the vaccine and encourage others to receive their own
once available.

[[

But these big-name endorsements have brought out equally as many anti-vaxxers. A
quick glance at many of these celebrity accounts will show disgust, outrage, and
distrust throughout the comments. Some have wondered if these types of comments 
are part of the reason [so much misinformation is circulating](https://www.fastcompany.com/90612612/instagram-anti-vaccine-misinformation-problem)
on the platform. Could it be as simple as certain stars bringing out more trolls
than others due to their diverse audiences?

[[

Given that millions of people are [now fully vaccinated](https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/covid-19-vaccination-tracker/),
it’s probably safe to say that this celebrity marketing isn’t hurting efforts, despite
bouts of criticism—and it’s quite possible that it could be helping. And while that
makes it sound like they’ve been hired by “big pharma” to trick us common folk, 
the odds are that they’re just empathetic people who are trying to protect themselves
and their communities.

Regardless of what your favorite celebrity does or what their comment sections say,
[experts have been advising](https://www.ucdavis.edu/coronavirus/news/get-covid-19-vaccine-soon-youre-allowed-experts-urge)
everyone who is able and eligible to receive a vaccine to do so. For Philadelphians
who are still stuck wondering how everyone is getting vaccinated before them: All
residents over 16 years old are officially eligible to [register](https://covid-vaccine-interest.phila.gov/?lang=en-US)
for their vaccine as of April 19.